iOS 19—or is it iOS 26, as rumors recommend?—is almost right here. Apple will nearly assuredly announce the most recent model of the iPhone’s OS subsequent week at WWDC 2025. As such, rumors about iOS 26’s options have been coming in quick, and solely extra in order we method the massive occasion. Though none of those rumors may be confirmed in the intervening time, they nonetheless give us a good suggestion about what Apple could be contemplating behind the scenes.
Is Apple altering iOS’ title?
Appears that approach. Whereas we (logically) thought the following model of iOS could be referred to as iOS 19, Apple reportedly has different plans in place. In accordance with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 19 might be iOS 26, taking the title of the next yr. Apple is reportedly doing this with all of its OS titles, together with iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
A recent search for iOS 26
Whereas iOS has modified significantly in recent times, the general design language nonetheless follows the final massive UI overhaul: 2013’s iOS 7. It has been almost 12 years since Apple has blended issues up, leaving customers to design their very own Lock Screens and app icons.
In accordance with Gurman, nonetheless, which may change with iOS 26, in addition to iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. The main points are scarce, however Gurman studies sources inside Apple say the corporate desires to higher align the design languages throughout its numerous merchandise, with out merging these OSes totally, whereas additionally simplifying the best way you work together with these gadgets. Which means iOS 26 may undertake the design of visionOS, which makes use of circles as an alternative of squares for app icons, translucent window parts, and the adoption of 3D—although that latter factor could also be tough to translate on a 2D show.
You possibly can see these parts on show on this idea video from Jon Prosser. If the rumors are appropriate, we might be taking a look at “one of the dramatic software program overhauls within the firm’s historical past.”
Along with a brand new look, iOS could also be getting rather less buggy. Gurman says that stability is a giant precedence for Apple this yr, which is music to my ears.
Dwell translation for AirPods
Gurman additionally says that Apple is engaged on a reside translation characteristic for sure AirPods fashions. If you happen to’re having a dialog with somebody who’s talking a language you do not know, your AirPods will translate and dictate these phrases in your goal language routinely. If you converse, your phrases might be translated and dictated by your iPhone, through the Translate app.
This characteristic is not groundbreaking—Google’s Pixel Buds have supplied it for years. However it’d be an incredible addition to iOS 26, and to AirPods customers.
Accessibility options
Apple does not reveal a lot about its upcoming updates earlier than formally asserting them, however accessibility options are an exception. Final month, the corporate unveiled an inventory of accessibility options coming to gadgets “later this yr.” Whereas they do not title iOS 26 and different “26” updates, it is fairly apparent these are the updates we’ll see them in.
There is a new Accessibility Reader characteristic that makes textual content simpler to learn throughout iOS; Magnifier is coming to Mac; you may see “Accessibility vitamin” labels on the App Retailer, to indicate how accessible an app is; Apple Watch is getting Dwell Captions, and Automobile Movement Cues are coming to the Mac.
‘Desktop’ mode
Rumor has it that Apple is engaged on a “Stage Supervisor-like” desktop mode for USB-C iPhones with iOS 26. The characteristic would allow you to plug your iPhone into an exterior monitor, so you’ll be able to prolong your iPhone’s display screen to the bigger show.
This may not be a real “desktop mode” expertise, like Samsung DeX, in that you just may not be capable of use your iPhone as a transportable laptop this fashion. However it may make it simpler to share your iPhone’s show once you wish to hook up with a bigger display screen.
You solely must signal into public wifi networks as soon as
If you happen to use a number of gadgets on public wifi networks, it is a ache to attach every one manually. That could be altering with Apple’s upcoming updates: Gurman says that after up to date, you may solely must log into the wifi with one Apple gadget (your iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and the remainder will routinely join.
Battery upgrades
Here is an incredible use for AI: optimizing battery life. Rumor has it iOS 26 will analyze your utilization habits and decide the fitting instances to decrease efficiency within the title of preserving battery life. Extending the period of time between prices is one thing we are able to all get behind.
As well as, the corporate might add a charging indicator to the lock display screen, so you know the way lengthy your battery has left to cost. This small characteristic has been sorely lacking on iPhones for years. Apple gives it on MacBooks, however solely in Exercise Monitor. I hope its brings it again to the menu bar in a future replace.
What do you assume to this point?
Your iPhone will (in all probability) run iOS 26
Optimistically, your present iPhone needs to be suitable with iOS 26, assuming you are at present working the most recent software program. Citing a supply inside Apple, French web site iPhoneSoft.fr studies that any cellphone that runs iOS 18 needs to be suitable with iOS 26 as properly. Nonetheless, the iPad 7 will supposedly not be so fortunate, as the web site says it won’t be included within the iPadOS 26 replace.
Nonetheless, a MacRumors supply says that Apple plans to drop the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max this yr. We’ll have to attend and see what Apple pronounces on Monday to search out out which telephones will nonetheless be supported.
A brand new gaming app
In accordance with Gurman, Apple is engaged on a devoted gaming app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS, meant to exchange the prevailing Recreation Heart. The app will each allow you to launch titles, in addition to test chief boards, chat with pals, and see your achievements.
If true, it will be attention-grabbing timing, contemplating the announcement will come 4 days after the launch of the Nintendo Change 2. I’ve my doubts that such an app may compete with a gaming titan like Nintendo, or that this may actually develop past the normal quick and candy cell sport expertise, however who is aware of. Possibly Apple is about to grow to be a severe gaming firm. (I doubt it.)
Shortcuts get Apple Intelligence integration
The Shortcuts app permits you to arrange “shortcuts,” which you should utilize to automate duties throughout your Apple gadgets. Gurman says with iOS 26, Apple is integrating Apple Intelligence into the Shortcuts app, which could allow you to create shortcuts with pure language—or, in different phrases, describe the shortcuts you need and have the AI construct them for you.
Small updates
In accordance with 9to5Mac, Apple has plans so as to add a brand new characteristic or two to a handful of apps. That features:
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Messages: Computerized translation for incoming and outgoing messages, in addition to polls.
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Music: Full-screen animated art work on the lock display screen
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Notes: Markdown help, an enormous plus for pro-notes customers
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CarPlay: A redesigned UI to go with iOS 26
The merging of Siri and Apple Intelligence
In accordance with Gurman, Apple plans to merge Siri with Apple Intelligence someday in the course of the iOS 26 patch cycle. Sure, the assistant is at present listed as being a part of Apple Intelligence, however behind the scenes, it supposedly has a brand new LLM within the works that might unify its at present break up structure and permit it to extra incessantly deal with complicated requests. As of now, its AI options are way more restricted, and most of Siri does not use any such AI in any respect.
Gurman says he expects the merger to be accomplished by spring of 2026 with the launch of iOS 26.4. His report states that, initially, Apple’s plan was to launch a extra conversational Siri in the identical replace, however that is been delayed and isn’t anticipated to be unveiled at WWDC 2025.
Gurman additionally signifies that as a result of Apple has not but accomplished final yr’s Apple Intelligence characteristic rollout, any unannounced options should not be anticipated for some time.
