Apple's iOS 26 rumors swirl ahead of WWDC 2025 — get ready for the biggest update in years
Everything We Know About iOS 26 Ahead of Apple WWDC 2025-
Apple fans are buzzing as WWDC 2025 is just around the corner, set for June 9 to 13. The big question on everyone's mind: what will iOS 26 bring? This year, Apple is expected to reveal major changes to its iPhone software, but with a surprising twist — the name itself. Instead of iOS 19, Apple is reportedly jumping straight to iOS 26, aligning its software names with the year, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first revealed. With whispers of a fresh design, new features, and smarter tech, iOS 26 looks set to shake things up.
Why is Apple skipping to iOS 26 instead of iOS 19?
The biggest shock from recent leaks is the new naming scheme. Apple plans to drop the traditional numbering and instead call this year's update iOS 26, matching the year 2026. This move will affect all Apple platforms — macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will also adopt the "26" suffix. This change was first reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a trusted source for Apple news. It makes the software lineup simpler to understand but could confuse some users at first. Still, it's a fresh start and a signal Apple is ready for a big change.
What new design changes will iOS 26 bring?
Rumors say iOS 26 will introduce one of the most dramatic design overhauls in Apple's history. Gurman reported back in March that Apple plans to refresh app icons, menus, system buttons, and overall app behavior. The design is expected to borrow elements from the Apple Vision Pro headset, aiming to create a more unified look across all Apple devices. This means your iPhone's interface could look more modern and clean, matching the futuristic feel of Apple's latest tech. If true, this redesign could make using your iPhone feel fresh and exciting.
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Could iOS 26 finally bring a desktop mode to iPhone?
One of the most talked-about rumors is the possibility of a desktop mode for iPhones. Tech leaker Majin Bu suggests that Apple is working on letting iPhones with USB-C ports connect to external displays, similar to how a MacBook or iPad works with a bigger screen. This feature could mimic Apple's Stage Manager multitasking system, giving iPhone users more space to work and multitask. While it's an exciting idea, this is still just a rumor, so don't get your hopes up just yet — but it's a feature many users would love to see.
Will iOS 26 improve iPhone battery life with AI?
Battery life is always a top priority for iPhone users, and Forbes recently reported that iOS 26 might come with an AI-powered battery management system. This smart feature would help your phone last longer by optimizing how it uses power throughout the day. It could learn your habits and adjust settings automatically to save energy without you even noticing. For people constantly running out of battery, this could be a game changer, making iPhones more reliable on the go.
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What about live translation with AirPods in iOS 26?
Another exciting rumor from Gurman is that iOS 26 could add live translation directly through AirPods. Imagine having your iPhone listen to a foreign language and instantly play a translation right in your ear. It's similar to features already available on Google Pixel Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds. This would be a great tool for travelers or anyone communicating in different languages. While Google's recent live demo had some hiccups, Apple might perfect this tech by the time iOS 26 launches.
Is Apple ready to compete in AI with iOS 26?
Apple has been criticized for falling behind rivals like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini in artificial intelligence. The company's AI assistant, Siri, hasn't seen a major upgrade in a while. Although there were expectations of a big AI push at WWDC 2025, rumors suggest Apple Intelligence, the company's AI system, may not be ready to shine just yet. So, while we might see some AI improvements in iOS 26, don't expect the kind of fireworks Google showed off earlier this year. Apple seems to be taking its time to get AI right rather than rushing out new features.
When and how can you watch WWDC 2025?
WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT, running through June 13. Apple describes the event as 'a week of technology and creativity.' You can watch the keynote live on Apple's website or through their app. Many news sites, including Mashable, will cover the event live, so you won't miss any announcements about iOS 26 and other Apple software updates.
FAQs:
What is iOS 26 and when will it launch?
iOS 26 is Apple's new iPhone software update launching at WWDC 2025 on June 9.
Will iOS 26 improve iPhone battery life?
Yes, iOS 26 may include AI-powered battery management for longer phone usage.
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