Everything We Think We Know About iOS 19 (or Is It...

iOS 19—or is it iOS 26, as rumors counsel?—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 strategy the large occasion. Though none of those rumors could be confirmed in the meanwhile, they nonetheless give us a good suggestion about what Apple is likely to be contemplating behind the scenes.

Is Apple altering iOS’ identify?

Appears that method. Whereas we (logically) thought the following model of iOS can be known as iOS 19, Apple reportedly has different plans in place. In line with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 19 will probably be iOS 26, taking the identify 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 contemporary 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 combined issues up, leaving customers to design their own Lock Screens and app icons.

According to Gurman, nevertheless, which may change with iOS 26, in addition to iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. The small print are scarce, however Gurman stories sources inside Apple say the corporate desires to raised align the design languages throughout its numerous merchandise, with out merging these OSes completely, whereas additionally simplifying the best way you work together with these gadgets. Meaning iOS 26 may undertake the design of visionOS, which makes use of circles as a substitute of squares for app icons, translucent window components, and the adoption of 3D—although that latter factor could also be tough to translate on a 2D show.

You’ll be able to see these components on show in this concept video from Jon Prosser. If the rumors are right, we may very well be taking a look at “one of the crucial 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 an enormous precedence for Apple this yr, which is music to my ears.

Stay translation for AirPods

Gurman additionally says that Apple is engaged on a live translation feature for certain AirPods models. For those who’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. Once you communicate, your phrases will probably be translated and dictated by your iPhone, by way of the Translate app.

This function is not groundbreaking—Google’s Pixel Buds have supplied it for years. However it’d be an excellent addition to iOS 26, and to AirPods customers.

Accessibility options

Apple does not reveal a lot about its upcoming updates earlier than formally saying them, however accessibility options are an exception. Final month, the corporate unveiled a list of accessibility features coming to gadgets “later this yr.” Whereas they do not identify 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 function 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 Stay Captions, and Vehicle Motion Cues are coming to the Mac.

‘Desktop’ mode

Rumor has it that Apple is engaged on a “Stage Manager-like” desktop mode for USB-C iPhones with iOS 26. The function would allow you to plug your iPhone into an exterior monitor, so you may prolong your iPhone’s display to the bigger show.

This won’t be a real “desktop mode” expertise, like Samsung DeX, in that you simply won’t be capable to use your iPhone as a conveyable pc this manner. However it may make it simpler to share your iPhone’s show while you wish to connect with a bigger display.

You solely have to signal into public wifi networks as soon as

For those who use a number of gadgets on public wifi networks, it is a ache to attach every one manually. That is likely to be altering with Apple’s upcoming updates: Gurman says that when up to date, you may solely have to log into the wifi with one Apple machine (your iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and the remaining will routinely join.

Battery upgrades

This is an excellent 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 identify 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 could add a charging indicator to the lock display, so you understand how lengthy your battery has left to cost. This small function 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.

Your iPhone will (most likely) run iOS 26

Optimistically, your present iPhone needs to be appropriate with iOS 26, assuming you are at the moment working the most recent software program. Citing a supply inside Apple, French web site iPhoneSoft.fr stories that any telephone that runs iOS 18 needs to be appropriate with iOS 26 as properly. Nevertheless, the iPad 7 will supposedly not be so fortunate, as the web site says it won’t be included within the iPadOS 26 replace.

Nevertheless, a MacRumors source says that Apple plans to drop the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max this yr. We’ll have to attend and see what Apple declares on Monday to seek out out which telephones will nonetheless be supported.

A brand new gaming app

According to Gurman, Apple is engaged on a devoted gaming app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS, meant to exchange the prevailing Recreation Middle. The app will each allow you to launch titles, in addition to verify chief boards, chat with buddies, and see your achievements.

If true, it’s going to be fascinating timing, contemplating the announcement will come 4 days after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve my doubts that such an app may compete with a gaming titan like Nintendo, or that this can actually increase past the standard brief and candy cellular sport expertise, however who is aware of. Perhaps Apple is about to grow to be a critical gaming firm. (I doubt it.)

Shortcuts get Apple Intelligence integration

The Shortcuts app enables 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

According to 9to5Mac, Apple has plans so as to add a brand new function or two to a handful of apps. That features:

• Messages: Computerized translation for incoming and outgoing messages, in addition to polls.

• Music: Full-screen animated art work on the lock display

• Notes: Markdown help, an enormous plus for pro-notes customers

• CarPlay: A redesigned UI to go with iOS 26

The merging of Siri and Apple Intelligence

According to Gurman, Apple plans to merge Siri with Apple Intelligence someday in the course of the iOS 26 patch cycle. Sure, the assistant is at the moment listed as being a part of Apple Intelligence, however behind the scenes, it supposedly has a brand new LLM within the works that will unify its at the moment cut up structure and permit it to extra regularly deal with complicated requests. As of now, its AI options are much more limited, and most of Siri does not use the sort of 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 last year’s Apple Intelligence feature rollout, any unannounced options should not be anticipated for some time.