New Features Expected in iOS 26
Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and rumors suggest some exciting changes are on the horizon. From a new naming convention to a major design overhaul, here’s what we can expect from the upcoming operating system update.
New Name: iOS 26
According to sources, Apple is planning to rebrand its operating systems to align with the release year, much like car model years. This means iOS 19 will be renamed iOS 26, a change that will also apply to iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Major Design Overhaul
Rumors indicate that iOS 26 will feature a significant design revamp inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This overhaul could include translucent navigation panels and circular app icons, aiming to create a more cohesive user experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
Dedicated Gaming App
Apple is rumored to be introducing a gaming app that integrates Apple Arcade and the App Store’s game offerings. This centralized hub will include features like achievements, leaderboards, and access to App Store game content, following the company’s recent acquisition of game studio RAC7.
Virtual Health Coach
Another anticipated feature is an AI-powered virtual health coach that provides personalized health advice based on user data from the Health app. The revamped Health app may also include a food-tracking feature for logging carbohydrate and caffeine intake.
Smarter Battery Management
iOS 26 could introduce AI-powered battery management to improve iPhone battery health. This feature is expected to analyze device usage and make adjustments to conserve battery life, along with a new charging icon on the lock screen displaying estimated charging times.
AI Translation for Messages
The Messages app may receive an Apple Intelligence-powered translation feature that automatically translates messages upon receipt. Additionally, AI capabilities could enable a polling feature for group chats, allowing users to vote and receive AI-generated poll suggestions.
What about Siri?
While Siri enhancements were showcased in 2024, reports suggest a delay in the rollout of new features. While AI-related announcements are expected, the focus for iOS 26 is likely to be on design changes and improvements to existing Apple Intelligence features.
This article was originally published on June 3 and will be updated with additional rumors as they emerge.
