Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces several enhancements, including a redesigned Siri interface with a subtle rainbow shimmer effect. While this visual update is intended to accompany new Apple Intelligence features, many users are not experiencing it. The issue isn’t a glitch, but rather a combination of device compatibility, software settings, and regional availability.
Device Compatibility: Not All iPhones Support Apple Intelligence
The core reason behind the missing shimmer is hardware limitations. Apple Intelligence, and consequently the new Siri visuals, requires specific iPhone models :
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
- iPhone 17 series (all models)
- iPhone Air
Older devices, including the iPhone 11 and earlier, lack the necessary processing power to run Apple Intelligence effectively. The AI computation happens on-device for privacy and speed, meaning older hardware can’t keep up. This is a common pattern in tech: new features often require newer hardware to function optimally.
Software Settings: Ensuring Apple Intelligence is Enabled
Even if you have a compatible device, Apple Intelligence might not be active. The latest iOS 26 update should automatically enable it, but if you previously disabled the feature, it won’t be re-enabled automatically.
To verify:
- Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Ensure the Apple Intelligence toggle is switched on.
If you recently upgraded from an earlier iOS version, double-check this setting, as the update doesn’t retroactively activate previously disabled features.
Language Restrictions: Regional Availability of AI Models
Apple Intelligence currently operates using limited language models. If your iPhone’s Siri language is set to a region outside the supported list, the new visuals won’t appear. The supported languages are:
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Spanish
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Japanese
- Korean
If you’ve switched to a different language for fun, returning to one of these supported options might still not trigger the change. In this case, a quick fix is to disable then re-enable Apple Intelligence in Settings, followed by a device restart. This forces a fresh download of the necessary language model.
Why This Matters
Apple’s tiered approach to AI features highlights a growing trend in tech: feature gating. Companies are increasingly segmenting access to advanced functionalities based on hardware, subscription tiers, or regional availability. This practice maximizes revenue from premium devices and services but can create frustration among users with older or unsupported hardware.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence also underscores the importance of on-device AI. By processing data locally, Apple aims to improve privacy and reduce latency. However, this requires substantial processing power, reinforcing the hardware dependency.
Ultimately, if you aren’t seeing the new Siri glow, it’s likely a matter of device compatibility, software configuration, or language settings. Check these areas carefully to ensure you’re getting the full iOS 26 experience.
