At WWDC 2025, Apple made some exciting announcements regarding the upcoming features in iOS 26 that will be available this fall. Let’s dive into some of the major updates that were unveiled during the event.
Phone
One of the standout features introduced at WWDC 2025 was Call Screening. This new feature will allow users to determine the nature of a call before answering it. When a call comes in from an unknown number, Call Screening will silently answer the call in the background. The caller will then provide their name and reason for calling, giving the user the option to view the response before deciding whether to answer or ignore the call.
Another innovative addition to the Phone app is the Hold Assist feature. Hold Assist will recognize hold music and stay on the line until a live agent is available. Additionally, Live Translation will enable real-time translation during phone conversations, making it easier for users to communicate with individuals speaking different languages.
Messages
The Messages app is receiving a significant upgrade with the introduction of group chat features. Users will now be able to create polls within group chats to facilitate decision-making and event planning. Apple Intelligence will also suggest when a poll might be beneficial, streamlining the process further. Custom backgrounds for group chats, typing indicators, and the ability to request, send, and receive Apple Cash within group chats are other notable enhancements.
Furthermore, Messages will now allow users to screen messages from unknown senders, ensuring better control over incoming messages. Messages from unknown senders will be segregated into a dedicated folder, where users can mark the number as known, request more information, or delete the message.
Apple Music
Apple Music users can look forward to the Lyrics Translation feature, which will provide translations for song lyrics in different languages. Additionally, the Lyrics Pronunciation feature will display phonetic lyrics, enabling listeners to sing along in other languages. The introduction of an AudioMix feature will offer seamless transitions between songs, akin to a DJ’s mixing technique.
A karaoke feature will turn iPhones into handheld microphones for Apple TV, complete with real-time lyrics and visuals displayed on the TV screen. Users will also be able to pin their favorite music for easy access within the Apple Music Library.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is getting smarter with features tailored to users’ daily commutes. The app will utilize on-device intelligence to suggest preferred routes for users heading home or to the office. Additionally, real-time notifications about delays and alternative routes will be provided, enhancing the overall navigation experience.
A new Visited Places feature in Apple Maps will help users keep track of places they’ve visited. By enabling detection at restaurants or shops, users can view all their Visited Places securely within Maps.
Apple Wallet
Apple Wallet is introducing a Digital ID feature, allowing users to store a digital version of their passport for age and identity verification. While not a replacement for physical passports, Digital ID can be used for verification purposes in supported apps and at TSA checkpoints.
Another exciting addition to Apple Wallet is the ability to present driver’s licenses or state IDs to websites for age and identity verification. This feature will initially be supported by select partners and government agencies.
FaceTime
FaceTime will leverage Live Translation to facilitate conversations in different languages by displaying translated captions during calls. This feature will enable seamless communication between individuals speaking various languages.
Photos
Apple is reintroducing a tabbed interface to the Photos app following user feedback from iOS 18. The updated interface will feature Collections for favorites, albums, and search capabilities, along with the Library tab for easy browsing of recent photos. Additionally, the Photos app will now support the transformation of 2D photos into 3D spatial photos.
Camera
The Camera app on the iPhone will showcase the two most-used capture modes on the main screen: photo and video. Additional modes like Portrait Mode and Cinematic Mode can be accessed by swiping left or right. Swiping up from the bottom of the screen will reveal settings for flash, timer, aperture, and more, providing users with enhanced control over their photography and video recording settings.
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is receiving a revamped playback experience, allowing users to choose playback speeds ranging from 0.5x to 3x. The customizable playback options bring Apple Podcasts in line with competitors like Spotify. Additionally, an “Enhance Dialogue” feature will enhance speech clarity over background sounds using audio processing and machine learning.
Image Playground
Apple is integrating ChatGPT into Image Playground to offer users new styles like vector art and oil paintings. By describing the desired image or uploading a photo, users can generate unique images through the collaboration between Image Playground and ChatGPT.
These exciting updates announced at WWDC 2025 showcase Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experiences and introducing innovative features across its apps. With iOS 26 set to launch this fall, users can look forward to a more intuitive and feature-rich operating system on their Apple devices.
