Every year, iOS steals the spotlight at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, providing enthusiasts with a first look at new features and enhancements set to arrive on iPhones in the fall. The 2025 WWDC keynote followed this tradition, introducing significant changes, particularly in the iOS naming system. Instead of the expected iOS 19, Apple is transitioning to a year-based naming convention, jumping to iOS 26. This update applies across all Apple operating systems, including iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS, with versions aligned to the year of major updates, simplifying the understanding of current software versions.
Beyond the new naming convention, the most notable change in iOS 26 is a comprehensive visual redesign across Apple's operating systems. This modernized user interface draws inspiration from visionOS, the software that powers the Apple Vision Pro. It has been over a decade since the last significant visual overhaul in iOS, dating back to iOS 7 in 2013, which shifted away from skeuomorphic design towards a flatter aesthetic. The new design, termed Liquid Glass, emphasizes transparency and light, featuring revamped app icons and controls with a see-through appearance. Users will also enjoy pop-out menus for quick access to options, reminiscent of the 3D Touch features from years past.
Widgets remain a part of the experience but will be visually updated to align with the new design language. The lock screen will now feature a dynamic clock that adjusts its size as alerts arrive, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Moreover, CarPlay is also receiving a makeover, introducing a compact view for incoming calls, which ensures that directions remain visible while driving. Excitingly, tapbacks (emoji responses) and pinned conversations are making their way into Messages on CarPlay, alongside widgets and Live Activities integration.
Several core apps are receiving significant updates in iOS 26. The Phone app will now consolidate your recent calls and voicemails into a single tab, placing favorite contacts at the top for easy access. Users can expect Apple Intelligence summaries of voicemail transcripts, and a new call screening feature will automatically handle calls from unknown numbers, displaying the caller's identity and purpose on-screen. Additionally, the new Hold Assist feature will alert users when a live agent is available, potentially eliminating frustrating hold music.
FaceTime will see a more intuitive layout, with major controls relocated to the bottom right corner for easier access. Safari will feature a more transparent address bar and enhanced fingerprinting protection, reinforcing user privacy. The Camera app is also being simplified, allowing users to switch between photo and video modes with a simple swipe. The Photos app is bringing back tabs for improved organization, while Messages will introduce customizable background images and polling options, similar to other messaging platforms.
With Wallet, users can now create a digital ID using their passport, alongside real-time updates for boarding passes via Live Activities. The Maps app is set to learn preferred routes for common trips, such as school runs, and will provide traffic updates. A new location history feature will be available, ensuring end-to-end encryption for user privacy.
Excitingly, iOS 26 will introduce a new core app dedicated to Games, allowing users to view and download titles from Apple Arcade, access multiplayer options, and more. Apple’s commitment to gaming is evident, as it continues to enhance its gaming ecosystem with popular titles and exclusive features.
Moreover, Apple is integrating advanced AI features into iOS 26. The updated operating system will offer deeper integration of translation tools, enabling live translation for text and audio during phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages. This could prove to be a game-changer for many users, enhancing communication across language barriers. Additionally, Apple Music will feature an AutoMix function for smoother transitions between songs, and users can expect dynamic album art in the app.
With a focus on privacy, Safari will enhance its protection measures, ensuring users’ browsing experience is secure by default. Furthermore, Apple is making strides in accessibility with new features like the Accessibility Reader, which offers a customized reading experience, and Braille Access for users with connected braille displays. The updates aim to create a more inclusive ecosystem for all users.
iOS 26 will be available for users with iPhone 11 and later models, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE. The advanced Apple Intelligence features will specifically run on the latest iPhone 16 devices, alongside iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, ensuring that users have access to the most innovative capabilities.
With these exciting updates and features, iOS 26 promises to enhance the user experience significantly, making it a highly anticipated release this fall. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch.
