Apple is getting ready to show off iOS 26 at its big Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. This new iPhone update will bring some exciting changes — not just small improvements.
A Fresh New Look Inspired by VisionOS
iOS 26, also called “Solarium” inside Apple, will have the biggest design makeover in years. The look will be inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset interface called visionOS. You’ll see see clear, floating buttons and a smoother, more flowing design all over the system.
Also See: Finally! Apple’s First Bengaluru Store Set to Open – What to Expect
Apple might change the shape of the app icons too — they won’t be the usual “squircle” (rounded square) but more rounded, though not full circles yet. The menus and navigation will be simpler and faster to use.
Smart Battery Management with AI
iOS 26 will also have a smart battery feature using artificial intelligence (AI). It will learn how you use your phone and adjust settings to save battery automatically, without you having to do anything.
This feature will probably only work on newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Camera App Gets a Makeover
The Camera app will look new and cleaner, also inspired by visionOS. It will have simpler controls and easier ways to switch settings by swiping. Buttons and tabs might have new shapes and animations.
Real-Time Language Translation for AirPods
A cool new feature could let AirPods Pro translate languages live. When connected to an iPhone with iOS 26, your AirPods will listen to what someone says, translate it right away, and play the translation directly in your ears. This will be very helpful for travelers and people who speak multiple languages.
Easier Public Wi-Fi Logins
iOS 26 will make it easier to connect to public Wi-Fi. Instead of entering your info on each device, the system will remember your login and sync it across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch automatically.
A New Gaming Hub
Apple plans to add a new Apple Games app — a one-stop place for games, achievements, leaderboards, and Apple Arcade access. Mac users may also get better support for games downloaded outside the App Store. This shows Apple’s effort to attract more gamers.
Better Accessibility Features
Apple is improving accessibility for users with disabilities. New features include:
- Accessibility labels in the App Store
- Support for Braille
- A system-wide Accessibility Reader
- Live captions on Apple Watch
- Improved eye and head tracking
- Sound recognition for names
- Faster personal voice responses
- Sharing accessibility settings across devices
Apple will also remove the old smart home system to make smart home controls easier to use.
Also See: Xiaomi Beats Apple to Become World’s Top Wearable Brand in Q1 2025
Why iOS 26 and Not iOS 19?
Apple is skipping some version numbers to match the calendar year. So, even though it’s 2025, the new update will be called iOS 26. This change will also apply to macOS and visionOS so all Apple software versions match the year better.
