Everything you need to know about Apple's iOS 26

Euronews

a day ago

Apple showcased its latest technology at its annual developers conference on Monday, showing off a new 'Liquid Glass' software design, a solution to screen out spam texts, and demonstrated it was in no rush to bring out more artificial intelligence (AI) features.
But the latest software features will not be available for several months until iOS 26 (rebranded from iOS 19) is officially released.
Here is our roundup of the latest announcements from WWDC 2025.
At last year's conference, Apple announced a more personalised AI-powered Siri. However, this year Apple only mentioned Siri very briefly.
'As we've shared, we're continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal,' said Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of Software Engineering.
'This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year'.
However, Apple did say that AI would be integrated into some products with a focus on making our lives easier.
Apple's WWDC comes just after Google unveiled AI updates at its developer conference last month. Samsung may also announce new phones in July.
'While it might seem others are leading the AI race, it is not a sought-after feature among users and there's no revenue uplift (for now),' tech analyst Paolo Pescatore told Euronews Next.
'Considering the negative perception, Apple needs to tread carefully not to frustrate and disappoint its loyal base of iPhone users'.
But he said that the latest updates provide a more coherent feel and 'Apple remains in an enviable position' given its large installed base of users.
Apple is expected to reveal its latest iPhones later this year.
Apple Watch is getting a new, AI-enhanced 'Workout Buddy' feature. The new tool analyses users' exercise and fitness data, such as pace and distance to then make personalised recommendations.
The demo showed a runner having data such as their heart rate during each kilometre and the distance they run that year at their fingertips. The feature will include other sports too.
The biggest design update is a glass-inspired aesthetic to all Apple products.
Called 'Liquid Glass' it makes icons and menus partially transparent.
Apple said it retracts light and dynamically reacts to your movement with specular highlights.
Apple announced users would soon be able to screen out new senders in its messaging app.
'Unknown senders appear in a dedicated area where you can decide if you want to mark the numbers as known, ask for more information, or delete,' said Darin Adler, a vice president at Apple.
'Until you accept, messages from unknown senders will remain silenced and won't appear as notifications'.
Apple also announced that you will soon be able to create in-message polls.
The tech giant also announced that its users will soon be able to converse with people in different languages with a Live Translation feature.
'Live Translation can translate conversations on the fly. It's integrated into messages, FaceTime and phone,' said Leslie Ikemoto, an engineering director at Apple.
It will work in phone calls, even with a non-Apple responder; your words can be translated as you talk, and the translation is spoken out loud for the call recipient.
And when the person you are speaking to responds in their own language, you'll hear a spoken translation of their voice.
In messages, it automatically translates the text for you as you type and deliver while the response can be instantly translated.
On FaceTime, Apple Translate provides live captions in your preferred language.
Apple has not said how many languages it will support.
Overall, the 'subtle addition of Apple Intelligence across key services will help grow awareness and provide users with confidence to drive further engagement,' said Pescatore.
'The tight integration between hardware, software and services really stands out with this latest move'.
'It looks like Apple has done enough in what promises to be a year of transition as it further builds out its AI capabilities,' he added.
All eyes will be on Apple on Monday as its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) returns to its pristine stage in California, where the company is expected to unveil its latest technology and devices.
It comes at a pivotal time for the company, which faces repercussions from the Trump administration's tariff proposal and competition from other tech companies to reign supreme in the battle for artificial intelligence (AI).
These are some of the rumours of what could be announced.
Last year, Apple announced the rollout of Apple Intelligence to its devices and the incorporation of ChatGPT into its Siri assistant. On Monday, we could see some upgrades to its current offerings, perhaps with Apple working with other AI chatbots.
The recent announcement from Sam Altman that OpenAI is working with former Apple executive Jony Ive on an AI hardware device is no doubt putting pressure on Apple to catch up.
Meanwhile, the race to incorporate AI more into smartphones is on.
Samsung is reportedly partnering with AI start-up Perplexity to use its app and AI assistant in its Galaxy phones, according to Bloomberg. Motorola has also incorporated AI into its new Razr flip phone.
However, AI could be used in Apple's Health app to provide personalised health suggestions based on user data, according to speculation.
Another theory is that AI will be baked into some small OS updates, and could see new features for things like better battery management.
'While there is no clear leader in the AI race as it's still early days, arguably Apple's efforts are not resonating with customers,' tech analyst Paolo Pescatore told Euronews Next.
'This [AI] is a marathon and not a sprint, so there is time, but much more work needs to be done under the hood. Apple needs to tread carefully not to frustrate and disappoint its loyal base of iPhone users,' he added.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a dedicated app for video games that would exist separately from the App Store. It will replace the Game Centre app, and could allow access to Apple Arcade's subscription-based game store, plus other gaming features such as leaderboards.
One of the biggest announcements will be the change in the naming systems for iOS, according to reports by Bloomberg. New iOS versions will be labelled by year, so we could see the launch of iOS 26 on Monday.
Apple's iOS could also see a redesign, with reports speculating on a transparent interface.
Apple could also introduce a live-translate language feature to its AirPods, according to Bloomberg.
This would allow real-time translation during conversations.
'While all attention will be focused on Apple Intelligence, Siri, and other features, its relentless focus on ease of use and seamless interaction across all Apple devices should remain its top priority,' said Pescatore.
Apple's large user base puts it in an enviable position, but the company must make some tough decisions on whether it continues relying on building in-house or partnering with other services, he added.
But Pescatore said he did not think we would see the elephant in the room - the Trump administration tariffs - being mentioned.
'With the eagerly awaited new iPhone later in the year, and how [tariffs] will impact future sales. Users are not buying into smartphones due to AI; it is not a sought-after feature for now,' he said.
But we will know more at the WWDC event, which goes live at 19:00 CET. You can watch the announcements as they unfold on Apple's YouTube channel.