iOS 26 (iOS 19): In abstract
- Shall be previewed throughout WWDC’s keynote on 9 June
- Anticipated to be named iOS 26, not iOS 19, as a part of Apple’s naming rationalisation
- Large design overhaul anticipated
Apple continues to push the boundaries of its working programs, and with iOS 26 (beforehand considered known as iOS 19) as a consequence of be introduced quickly, expectations are rising.
Whereas official particulars stay below wraps till its unveiling, there’s a lot hypothesis and a number of other leaks hinting at what’s to return.
Under, we’ve got data on the anticipated launch date, appropriate units, and the options that would outline iOS 26.
When will iOS 26 (iOS 19) be launched?
In abstract
- Preview date: 9 June at WWDC
- Builders will then acquire early entry
- Public beta anticipated afterward in the summertime, probably July
Apple is about to preview iOS 26 (iOS 19) at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) on 9 June 2025.
Following the announcement, builders will acquire early entry to check the software program, with a public beta anticipated to roll out later in the summertime, probably July.
Apple normally publicly releases its new model of iOS on the Monday after the launch of the brand new iPhone lineup. Primarily based on earlier launch dates, a launch of Monday, September 15, or Monday, September 22 appears probably.
Get extra WWDC protection from our sister website, Macworld – together with a hilarious minute by minute simulation of the keynote.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Nonetheless, Apple seems to be adopting a extra staggered strategy to function rollouts.
Very similar to iOS 18, the place options equivalent to Apple Intelligence have been progressively launched, not all of iOS 26’s capabilities are anticipated to be out there at launch.
Among the most anticipated updates, equivalent to the improved Siri powered by massive language fashions (LLMs), are more likely to debut in early 2026, probably in iOS 26.4/19.4.
It’s doable that different platforms like macOS or iPadOS is likely to be prioritised for main updates, particularly given the groundwork wanted for improvements together with a touch-based Mac.
Why is it known as iOS 26?
As for the title, Apple is reportedly set to alter its strategy to software program naming in a rationalisation of its working system naming conference. This is smart as Apple variously has iOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15 for its units – a system that’s removed from self-explanatory.
Sources: 9 to five Mac | Bloomberg
Which iPhones shall be appropriate with iOS 26 (iOS 19)?
In abstract
- Full record of appropriate iPhones not but official
- Tech Advisor expects assist to stretch again to the iPhone 11 and SE 2nd-gen
- Apple Intelligence will probably solely out there on iPhone 15 Professional and above – which is able to restrict new options for older telephones
Apple’s dedication to supporting older units stays robust, though with every iteration of iOS, some fashions inevitably fall off the record.
Though the precise iOS 19 compatibility record hasn’t been confirmed, beneath are the units we anticipate to be supported:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Plus
- iPhone 17 Professional
- iPhone 17 Professional Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Professional
- iPhone 16 Professional Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Professional
- iPhone 15 Professional Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Professional
- iPhone 14 Professional Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Professional
- iPhone 13 Professional Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Professional
- iPhone 12 Professional Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Professional
- iPhone 11 Professional Max
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen or later)
Nonetheless, Apple Intelligence will solely be out there on the iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 15 Professional Max, plus all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 fashions.
Supply: MacRumors
What new options shall be out there in iOS 26 (iOS 19)?
In abstract
- visionOS-inspired design overhaul
- AirPods dwell language translation
- Siri powered by LLM (massive language mannequin)
A complete redesign
iOS 26 might be the working system replace to get enthusiastic about. Many sources say that we are able to anticipate an enormous design overhaul, impressed by visionOS, which was created for the Imaginative and prescient Professional, Apple’s blended actuality headset. Inside Apple, the design venture has been codenamed “Solarium”.
It’s suspected that this may increasingly seek advice from visionOS’s use of a translucent interface, and that iOS 26 might function equally glassy floating menus and home windows.
It’s additionally thought to contain condensing settings and modes, fluid animations, and a swiping mechanism for navigation, making the interface extra user-focused.
This could be the primary main redesign since iOS 7, probably beginning with incremental updates to core apps earlier than increasing additional.
The Digicam app is anticipated to be a key focus of the redesign, with a cleaner, extra streamlined interface with fewer distractions across the viewfinder. Notably, it could additionally incorporate choices equivalent to decision and body charge controls instantly throughout the app, a function lengthy current in Android units.
Sources: MacRumors | 9to5Mac | fpt by way of YouTube
AirPods to get dwell language translation
AirPods are forecast to get the “Babel fish” therapy. In Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Information to the Galaxy, the Babel fish might be inserted into an ear canal and would immediately translate any dialog heard into the wearer’s personal language.
iOS 26 is to incorporate an replace that’ll permit AirPods to do the exact same factor – minus the seafood overtones.
Supply: Bloomberg
Smarter Siri with Massive Language Fashions (LLM)
Give the way in which that Siri has fallen behind different voice assistants, one of the vital helpful updates in iOS 26 is anticipated to be the introduction of an enhanced Siri powered by LLM expertise.
Foundry
This transformative replace goals to make Siri extra conversational and able to understanding and producing pure, human-like language. Customers can anticipate Siri to carry out extra complicated duties, maintain context-aware conversations, and help with a broader vary of queries.
Apple has been testing this superior Siri internally and plans to combine it throughout the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Nonetheless, this improve might not seem in time for the iOS 26 launch. As a substitute, it might debut in spring 2026 as a part of iOS 26.4.
Nonetheless, whereas iPhone customers can presently obtain and use Gemini, Apple and Google are reportedly reaching an settlement to function Gemini on iPhone in a extra built-in means. Google Gemini would add performance to Siri and Writing Instruments on iPhone fashions appropriate with Apple Intelligence.
Supply: Bloomberg | MacRumors
Stage Supervisor
The Mac app organiser Stage Supervisor is rumoured to be making its iPhone debut. It’ll solely be out there on iPhone fashions with a USB-C port – all iPhone 15 handsets and newer fashions – which may be related to an exterior show.
It’s envisaged that it will give a productiveness enhance to anybody working throughout a number of apps.
Supply: Majin Bu
Expanded Apple Intelligence
Constructing on the foundations laid in iOS 18, Apple Intelligence will see additional enhancements in iOS 26. Chief amongst these is AI battery administration, which is able to analyse your telephone utilization and enable you to to maximise battery life – a function that’ll absolutely be appreciated by iPhone 17 Air patrons, the place battery dimension is the compromise for the telephone’s slimness and lightweight weight.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Supply: MacRumors
Different options
- A brand new Video games App will substitute the Recreation Middle app, providing new options to cell players.
- A brand new connectivity function will imply seamless entry to captive Wi-Fi networks throughout quite a lot of Apple units from a single login.
- A brand new AI-powered Well being app is coming, though it could not arrive in time for the launch of iOS 26.
- Accessibility options embody additional customisation choices for Music Haptics, CarPlay and extra, whereas App Retailer merchandise will function new labels with accessibility data.
Supply: MacRumors
A shift in software program rollouts
Whereas not a function in itself, a major shift in Apple’s strategy to software program growth might affect when iOS 26 options roll out.
Foundry
The model is anticipated to maneuver away from inflexible, annual function launches, as a substitute specializing in releasing updates when they’re prepared.
This technique goals to make sure a extra polished and refined expertise for customers – and keep away from a repeat of the unfulfilled Apple Intelligence guarantees, wherein AI options have been introduced at September 2024’s Apple Occasion, and subsequently did not materialise. This technique signifies that we may even see fewer options at launch.
Foundry
Sources: Bloomberg | Mark Gurman on X
Whereas we anticipate WWDC, make sure you try what we all know in regards to the iPhone 17 collection.