Apple's upcoming iOS 26 (originally iOS 19) is creating a lot of buzz, and for good reason. It's expected to be the biggest overhaul to iOS since iOS 17, bringing a fresh design and a host of new features. Get ready for a significant change to your iPhone experience.
The Next Big Thing: iOS 26
Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on June 9th. This new version, internally codenamed "Solarium," is rumored to be the most significant design change since iOS 7. Mark Gurman suggests it will draw inspiration from visionOS, featuring a more translucent, glass-like appearance. This could mean a return to some depth in the user interface, moving away from the flat design that has been around for a while. We might also see floating tab bars and new ways to interact with settings, possibly integrating them directly within apps rather than requiring a separate settings app.
Device Compatibility
One of the first questions people ask is, "Will my device support iOS 26?" While nothing is 100% confirmed until WWDC, leaks suggest that the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR might not be supported. If you own one of these models, it's something to keep in mind, as Apple tends to phase out older devices to make way for newer ones.
Expected Features and Updates
Redesigned Apps and Gaming
Beyond the overall design, individual apps are also getting attention. The Camera app could see a redesign, and there's talk of a dedicated app for video games. This makes sense given Apple's growing focus on gaming across its platforms. The Calendar app is also expected to get a revamp, possibly with new AI features that understand your schedule better.
Smarter Battery Management
Battery intelligence is a long-rumored feature that might finally arrive with iOS 26. This would use AI to learn your usage patterns and optimize battery life throughout the day. Imagine your iPhone intelligently managing background apps to extend your charge. This could be a big win for users, especially as battery health degradation is a common concern.
RCS Messaging and Wi-Fi Improvements
Apple has confirmed that end-to-end encryption for iMessage with RCS messaging is coming. This means better group chats, typing indicators, and tapback support when communicating with Android users. Wi-Fi features are also set to improve, offering more consistent connections on public networks and potentially syncing network information across iCloud.
AirPods and Health App Enhancements
AirPods could gain live translation capabilities, allowing real-time conversations across different languages. The Health app is also expected to get an AI assistant that provides personalized advice based on your sleep, activity, and heart rate data. This could offer more in-depth insights into your well-being.
Stage Manager for iPhone
There's a possibility of Stage Manager coming to iPhone when connected via USB-C. This would allow for a desktop-like interface, similar to what's available on iPad, enabling users to connect to an external display and use a keyboard and mouse for a more productive experience.
Accessibility Features
Apple has already announced powerful accessibility features coming later this year, which will be part of iOS 26. These include Accessibility Reader, Magnifier on Mac, nutrition labels for accessibility features in apps, live captions on Apple Watch, and vehicle motion cues. There are also updates for Vision Pro, personal voice, eye tracking, and even brain-computer interface support for users with limited mobility.
Focus on Stability
One of the most important changes for iOS 26 is Apple's renewed focus on stability. There have been reports of internal efforts to address glitches and issues. This could mean fewer new features announced upfront, with a greater emphasis on ensuring that the features that are released are polished and reliable. This approach would be a welcome change for many users.
Siri and Apple Intelligence
Siri is expected to get a major upgrade with iOS 26, including contextual and conversational capabilities similar to ChatGPT. Apple executives believe it will be on par with advanced AI models, finally bringing the long-awaited Apple Intelligence features to fruition.
Desired Features
Users are still hoping for more customization options and a split-view update for iPhone, similar to what's available on iPad. A new eSIM transfer tool for the United States is also a possibility, making it easier to switch between devices.
Release Dates
- Developer Beta: Expected shortly after the WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9th.
- Public Beta: Likely towards the end of June or early July.
- Public Release: Typically in the second or third week of September, coinciding with the new iPhone launch.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming changes? Are you excited for the redesign, or are there other features you're hoping for? Let us know what you think!
