7 helpful AI features in iOS 26 you can try now - and how to access them

Apple finally launched the iOS 26 public beta, and with that comes a slew of new AI features you can try out today -- and their usefulness may surprise you.

While the new features may not be as flashy as the promised Siri 2.0 update, which has yet to be released, many address issues Apple users have long had with their devices or in their everyday workflows, while others are downright fun. For example, don't you like waiting for customer service calls? Want your song transitions in Apple Music to sound better? Are you envious of Android's Circle to Search? The new features address all of these points.

Also: Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public betas are here: How to access and why you'll want to

I gathered the AI features announced and ranked them according to what I'm most excited ...