A suite of updates coming to core services like Apple Maps, Music, Wallet and more this fall in OS 26 AI updates across devices focus heavily on artificial intelligence integration and personalization, Apple said Monday at WWDC25. The updates promise to make everyday tasks more intuitive and enjoyable for users across the Apple ecosystem.
OS 26 AI updates bring new tricks to Apple Maps, Music and more across Apple devices
The updates, showcased during the WWDC25 keynote, represent Apple’s continued push into AI-powered features while maintaining its commitment to privacy and security. From DJ-like music mixing in Apple Music to intelligent route learning in Apple Maps, the enhancements demonstrate how machine learning becomes deeply embedded in Apple’s service offerings with the release of OS 26 AI updates — iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe), watchOS 26, visionOS 26 and tvOS 26.
Apple Maps learns your habits while protecting privacy
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Apple Maps is becomes more intelligent and personalized with two cool new features: Preferred Routes and Visited Places. Using on-device processing, your iPhone will learn the routes you commonly take between frequently visited locations like home and work. The Maps widget will show commute previews before you leave. And the system will proactively alert you about delays with alternative route suggestions.
Visited Places automatically detects and saves locations where you spend significant time, such as restaurants and shops. You can search through your visit history and easily share locations with family and friends. Apple emphasizes that this data remains completely private through end-to-end encryption and cannot be accessed by Apple itself.
Apple Music gets AI-powered mixing and multilingual features
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Perhaps the most exciting update comes to Apple Music with the introduction of AutoMix. The feature uses artificial intelligence to seamlessly blend songs together like a professional DJ. The system analyzes audio characteristics and creates smooth transitions between tracks using time stretching and beat matching techniques. That eliminates the jarring silence between songs that can interrupt the listening flow.
Music lovers will also appreciate two new lyric features launching this fall. Lyrics Translation uses machine learning to translate song lyrics while preserving their emotional context and cultural meaning, thanks to fine-tuning from language experts. Meanwhile, Lyrics Pronunciation helps users sing along to songs in foreign languages by providing phonetic guidance.
The Sing feature gets a social upgrade too. iPhone users can transform their device into a wireless microphone for Apple TV. That lets them amplify their voice while singing along with friends. Combined with real-time lyrics and dynamic visual effects, it turns any living room into a karaoke stage.
For easier music discovery, users will be able to pin their favorite albums and playlists to the top of their Apple Music library for quick access.
Apple Podcasts offers enhanced listening control
Podcast enthusiasts will gain more control over their listening experience with expanded playback speed options ranging from 0.5x to 3x speed. They can save preferred settings for individual shows. And the new Enhance Dialogue feature uses real-time audio processing and machine learning to make speech clearer by reducing background noise and music.
Apple Wallet becomes smarter with order tracking
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Apple Intelligence makes Apple Wallet significantly more useful for online shoppers. The wallet app will automatically scan your emails to identify, summarize and display order tracking information from merchants and delivery services. This means you can see all your package details, delivery progress and notifications in one centralized location without hunting through your inbox.
Apple Pay will also expand its in-store capabilities, allowing users to access rewards and installment payment options when making purchases in person. The rollout includes partnerships with major financial services like Affirm, Klarna and several major banks across the US, UK, and Canada.
Group payments made simple with Apple Cash
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Apple Cash introduces group payment functionality within Messages. That makes it easier to split bills after dinner or collect money for group purchases like concert tickets. Users can send money to individuals or request payment from entire groups with just a few taps.
Travel gets more convenient
Travelers will benefit from refreshed boarding passes in Apple Wallet that provide real-time flight updates through Live Activities. These enhanced passes integrate with Maps for airport navigation, connect with Find My for tracking luggage and provide quick access to airline services like seat upgrades.
A significant new addition is Digital ID, which allows users to store and present identification using their iPhone or Apple Watch. Created from a US passport, Digital ID works at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel verification. The feature also enables secure age and identity verification on participating websites.
Fitness and News get OS 26 AI updates, too
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Apple Fitness+ introduces ready-made Custom Plans. They automatically create personalized workout schedules based on your preferences and goals. Whether you want to stay consistent, push harder or just get started, the app will generate appropriate plans.
Apple News+ adds Emoji Game to its puzzle collection. It challenges users to complete phrases using emoji with the goal of solving puzzles in the fewest moves possible.
These updates come out this fall across all Apple platforms. Apple Intelligence features require compatible devices including iPhone 15 Pro models or later, and iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later.
Source: Apple
