As Apple gears up for WWDC 2025 on June 2, anticipation is mounting for the unveiling of the company’s next big software update iOS 19, or as rumors suggest, iOS 26. This release is expected to be one of the most transformative in recent years, with changes that span visual design, system intelligence, and a deeper integration of AI-powered features.
From a new naming convention to a Vision Pro-inspired redesign, Apple appears ready to make a bold statement with its software lineup in 2025. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect.
According to Bloomberg, Apple may be abandoning its traditional version numbering system in favor of a year-based naming scheme. If this proves true, iOS 19 will officially be known as iOS 26, aligning it with the calendar year of release.
The new naming convention is expected to apply across the board iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 bringing consistency to Apple’s ecosystem and perhaps making the software more consumer-friendly, similar to how automobile model years work.
Massive Design Overhaul Inspired by Vision Pro
The most radical change expected in iOS 26 is a complete visual redesign, reportedly the most significant since iOS 7 in 2013. This new interface is said to be inspired by visionOS, the operating system that powers Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
According to Bloomberg and other credible sources:
- The design will feature translucent interface elements, such as panels and windows, mimicking the depth and lightness of Vision Pro’s spatial UI.
- App icons may be redesigned with circular shapes, a departure from the square-rounded style that has defined iOS since its inception.
- System animations and transitions are expected to be more fluid, aiming to create a cohesive, futuristic experience across iPhone, iPad, and beyond.
This design shift is seen as part of Apple’s broader strategy to unify the visual language of its entire product lineup, from iPhones to Vision Pro.
Dedicated Gaming Hub and Studio Acquisition
In a move to strengthen its presence in mobile gaming, Apple is rumored to be releasing a dedicated gaming app. This hub would integrate:
- Apple Arcade titles
- App Store games
- Centralized features like achievements, leaderboards, and curated recommendations
The timing of this new feature coincides with Apple’s recent acquisition of RAC7, an award-winning indie game studio known for hits like Sneaky Sasquatch. It’s a clear signal that Apple sees gaming as a core part of its future iOS strategy.
AI-Powered Virtual Health Coach
One of the more ambitious features expected in iOS 26 is a virtual health coach, part of Apple’s ongoing investment in Apple Intelligence. This AI-driven assistant would work with the Health app to:
- Offer personalized lifestyle recommendations
- Suggest exercise or dietary adjustments
- Monitor user habits and deliver proactive advice
Additionally, the Health app may be updated to include food tracking features, including the ability to log caffeine and carbohydrate intake a step toward making iOS a more holistic health and wellness platform.
Smarter Battery Management and Reverse Charging
Apple is reportedly leveraging AI to enhance battery efficiency with features such as:
- Usage-based power optimization, adjusting background processes based on behavior
- An estimated charge completion time displayed directly on the lock screen
- Potential introduction of reverse wireless charging in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods or Apple Watch directly from their iPhone
These features aim to improve real-world battery performance while supporting Apple’s environmental and longevity goals.
According to reports from 9to5Mac, iOS 26’s Messages app will receive two major AI-enhanced features:
- Instant message translation via Apple Intelligence, translating incoming messages in real time across supported languages
- A polling feature in group chats, where users can vote on group decisions and get AI-suggested poll options based on chat content
These additions will bring enhanced productivity and global communication capabilities to one of iOS’s most frequently used apps.
Interestingly, Siri once again touted as Apple’s next big AI breakthrough in early 2024 has been noticeably absent from recent rumors. Apple showcased a context-aware Siri capable of navigating between apps and retrieving personalized information. However, the company announced in March that these advanced features would be delayed beyond the iOS 26 cycle.
While incremental improvements to Siri may still appear, the revolutionary AI assistant upgrade likely won’t arrive until later in 2025 or beyond.
With Apple expected to formally introduce iOS 26 during its WWDC keynote on Monday, all eyes will be on how these rumors translate into real features. The focus appears to be on:
- Design evolution
- AI integration
- Cross-platform cohesion
- Health and lifestyle tools
If these leaks hold true, iOS 26 could mark a turning point for Apple’s software one that merges aesthetics, intelligence, and utility in a way we haven’t seen since the dawn of the iPhone.
