On June 9, Apple will take the stage at its annual developers conference and present iOS 26, the new operating system for the iPhone, which is expected to be officially released in September 2025. This time, it’s not just another update to an existing system but a true revolution: A completely new design inspired by the interface of the Vision Pro augmented reality headset, expanded AI capabilities, and upgrades to the core apps of the device. Apple is also changing its versioning system, moving away from iOS19 and adopting a naming convention based on the year: iOS 26 for 2026, iOS 27 for 2027, and so on.
The new design of iOS 26 will focus on a transparent, soft, and floating look as seen in visionOS. The user interface will undergo a deep transformation with more rounded icons, apps that "float" above the screen, transparent menus that respond to device movement, and even light effects that reflect motion. This version will feature redesigned control screens, compact menus placed at the bottom of apps, and in the Photos app, for example, full-screen display with buttons "floating" above the image.
The camera interface is also expected to receive a redesign, with easier access to video or photo modes, drop-down menus, and transparent, swipeable control options. Core apps such as Messages, Photos, App Store, Music, and Phone will all be adapted to the new visual design. Even the keyboard is expected to have a rounded look, with light effects and more dynamic colors.
One of the main innovations in the system will be the extensive development of Apple Intelligence – smart AI embedded into the system, expanding the device’s capabilities. Siri will receive a completely new version (though it might arrive only in a 2026 update), which will be able to recognize personal context, understand the screen the user is viewing, and perform smart actions such as finding files sent via WhatsApp or adding an address from a message directly to contacts. The assistant will be able to transfer files between apps, edit photos and send them, and combine complex commands with ease.
A new battery management feature will use AI to adjust power consumption based on usage patterns, intelligently extending battery life. iPhones will also display a new indicator on the lock screen showing how much time remains until a full charge. Another groundbreaking innovation is expected in the headphones: Live conversation translation via AirPods. If an English speaker talks to a Spanish speaker, the iPhone will translate the conversation in real-time, and the translation will play directly in the listener’s ears via the AirPods. Apple will also enhance its Translate app ahead of the launch.
The new operating system will also include improvements to connecting with public Wi-Fi networks – login data will automatically sync between different Apple devices. Beyond that, Apple will, for the first time, allow transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device – a rare move that may ease the process of switching operating systems.
In the gaming department, a new dedicated app will launch to serve as a hub for all iPhone games, showing achievements, allowing interaction with other players, and replacing the old Game Center. The app will also focus on promoting the Apple Arcade service.
In the health realm, Apple plans to launch AI-based health coaching features. Users will receive activity and lifestyle improvement suggestions through videos, based on data collected from the Apple Watch. There are also plans for a nutrition-tracking feature, similar to third-party apps like MyFitnessPal.
iOS 26 will also include extensive accessibility improvements: Special tags on App Store pages indicating support for features like VoiceOver or subtitles, a new app for reading texts tailored for users with disabilities, and adjustments in CarPlay that detect baby cries or outside sirens. Another innovation will turn the iPhone or iPad into a Braille writing tool, with support for Braille Ready Format (BRF) files and live dictation capabilities.
One of the most intriguing leaked features is a version of Stage Manager for iPhone – if connected to an external display via USB-C, the iPhone will be able to display a multi-window interface similar to the iPad or Mac.
Following European Union regulation, Apple will allow users in Europe to choose a default voice assistant other than Siri – such as Google Assistant or Alexa. It’s still unclear when this function will be available, but it could be as early as iOS 26.
And finally, Apple is changing its strategy: No more premature promises. Following delays in Siri feature releases and the cancellation of the new CarPlay version, the company has decided not to announce features before they are ready for release.
iOS 26 will no longer support older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, but it will work on most iPhones that can be updated to iOS 18. However, advanced features like Apple Intelligence will only be available on newer models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. Not all features will arrive at once: Some will be delayed to interim updates, such as iOS 26.4 in spring 2026. Apple continues with its phased rollout model, aiming to ensure a more stable and ready system at every stage.