Apple is set to introduce a convenient new feature with iOS 26 that enhances its artificial intelligence capabilities, allowing users to add events to their calendar by simply capturing a screenshot.
After testing this feature in the developer beta for several weeks, feedback suggests it stands out as one of Apple’s more useful AI offerings. While it may not yet rival Android’s capabilities, the feature provides a refreshing and practical way to save time.
For those who struggle with managing calendars, this tool is particularly significant. Mistakes like adding events to the wrong day or calendar, or forgetting to enter them altogether, are all too common.
With iOS utilizing Visual Intelligence, users can now create calendar events from any on-screen content. Previously, iOS 18 allowed users to create events based on images specifically, but the iOS 26 update expands this to include screenshots. After taking a screenshot, a prompt appears saying “Add to calendar.” Users can tap this prompt to review an event preview with key details, choosing to edit or quickly save the event.
The effectiveness of this feature is crucial for its usability. In testing, it consistently captured the correct date, time, and location, though it did mismanage a time zone in one instance. Overall, it simplifies the calendar process significantly. However, it currently lacks the ability to create multiple events from a single screenshot, only addressing the first relevant item displayed.
In comparison, Google’s Gemini Assistant has had the ability to add events based on screen content since August 2024. It allows users to trigger a screenshot through Google Assistant and capture details for calendar events through typing or voice commands. Past experiences showed inconsistent results; however, recent enhancements have significantly improved its functionality.
After testing Gemini Assistant on the Pixel 9 Pro, it was successful in creating multiple preschool event entries listed in an email, correctly placing them on the calendar. Furthermore, it adjusted for time zone differences and occasionally provided event descriptions automatically based on the visible text. Users have also noted its capabilities while using Google Calendar on desktop, where Gemini assists in converting lists into actual calendar events.
Despite the advancements offered by these AI capabilities, questions about originality persist. While similar features have existed on both platforms, they were less sophisticated. For example, on an iPhone 13 Mini without AI, tapping a date in an email prompts adding it to the calendar, but uses the email subject line as the event title, which can lead to inefficiencies. In contrast, Android suggests adding events from screenshots but often makes errors regarding dates and times. The incorporation of AI seems to enhance this functionality, paving the way for a more efficient user experience.
