Apple will open WWDC 2025 on Monday with its annual introductory keynote, the place it would demo the tentpole options of its varied working methods. This might be a media occasion to recollect for a number of causes.
First, Apple has to handle the Apple Intelligence elephant within the room. iOS 18 didn’t ship Apple’s AI guarantees, with the most important Apple Intelligence function nonetheless vaporware (for now).
Second, Apple will introduce a brand new design language for all its working methods, which is able to assist unify the software program experiences throughout its merchandise. It’s already very simple to maneuver from an iPhone to an iPad or Mac, however the brand new visuals ought to make that have seamless.
Lastly, that is the 12 months when Apple additionally modifications the naming construction for all its working methods. There’s no iOS 19. As a substitute, we’re getting iOS 26, a moniker that most likely means “2026.” All different working methods will get the identical “26” designator.
With all that in thoughts, iOS 26 would be the most fascinating factor popping out of WWDC 2025 for me. I’m a longtime iPhone consumer, and I’m already wanting ahead to the iOS 26 beta releases. Many iOS 26 design particulars and options have leaked prior to now few months, so I’ll provide you with an inventory of my priorities for the upcoming working system.
I gained’t make the identical mistake as final 12 months. I gained’t get enthusiastic about massive Apple Intelligence options, like a SiriGPT expertise that might rival ChatGPT. As a substitute, I’ll take the smaller AI wins that Apple can ship and wait to be shocked down the street.
Additionally, I’ll say that I’m deeply entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem of merchandise. A few of the iOS 26 options under will want different merchandise to work, just like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
iOS Stability
I’ve been operating iOS betas virtually solely since Apple began making them out there. I most likely skipped only one launch, and it’s been an awesome experience. Even early developer betas have been higher than anticipated.
I count on bugs from beta software program. However sadly, bugs additionally present up in industrial iOS releases that most individuals use.
With iOS 26, Apple is rumored to deal with bettering stability. I hope that’s true and iOS will actually “simply work.” If that occurs, then beta releases also needs to be smoother.
New design
I can’t say I’ve points with the present iOS design. Apple has added a number of customization choices lately, from the Lock Display screen to the House Display screen. However I wouldn’t thoughts extra cohesion between the varied working methods, particularly since I’m dreaming of shopping for Apple foldables down the street. These gadgets might want to provide UI experiences that transition between iPhone and iPad or iPad and Mac.
iOS 26 will begin that design revolution. All of the working methods Apple is about to unveil will function visionOS-inspired design. We count on a number of translucency, extra nimble menus that don’t block content material from view, and possibly new app icon designs.
iOS 26 would possibly really feel like a recent begin, which each OS wants each few years.
New digicam expertise
All apps will profit from the brand new iOS 26 design, particularly Apple’s iPhone apps. The Digicam app is one I exploit essentially the most, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing a less complicated interface that lets me deal with what I’m capturing.
We’ll supposedly get separate menus for pictures and movies as a substitute of a number of choices crowding the display. The menus can have the identical glass-like look as the remainder of iOS. Once more, it ought to resemble the visionOS UI from the spatial pc.
Well being coach
I run loads, so I exploit the Apple Watch and the Well being and Health apps to trace all my well being information.
I haven’t been proud of the bugs which have impacted my Apple Watch Sequence 10 this 12 months, and I hope iOS 26 will repair a lot of them.
However I’m enthusiastic about Apple bringing AI options to the Well being and Health apps. Rumors say Apple will embody a well being coach in iOS 26. The AI coach ought to provide recommendation primarily based on the well being information collected by the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Additionally fascinating is the concept of a brand new food-tracking function in iOS 26. The Well being app has one, however I’d love a extra intuitive model.
AI-powered battery mode
AI can assist in different areas, not simply with way of life and train. Rumors say Apple will use synthetic intelligence to enhance battery life. Particularly, Apple’s AI would possibly analyze how I exploit my iPhone and discover methods to enhance effectivity and save battery.
This iOS 26 function most likely gained’t be out there on a telephone like my iPhone 14 Professional, which I’m utilizing after downgrading from the iPhone 16 Professional Max. However it is perhaps nice for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air coming this fall, which is the system I’ll improve to lengthy earlier than I choose a foldable Apple telephone.
Higher public Wi-Fi experiences
Not all the brand new options in iOS 26 must be flashy. Generally, small tweaks could make a giant distinction. One rumored function is best help for public Wi-Fi that requires signing right into a “captive” community, like these in motels or airports.
I normally keep away from public Wi-Fi and use mobile information and VPNs for privateness and safety. However generally public Wi-Fi is critical.
A captive-portal Wi-Fi the place you register continues to be higher than an open one. However you normally must register on every system. iOS 26 will repair that by making certain that each one Apple gadgets utilizing the identical Apple ID join as soon as one among them does.
AirPods stay translation
Different iOS 26 options is perhaps nice-to-have tips that gained’t get a lot use. The rumored stay translation help for AirPods is one among them. That is seemingly an Apple Intelligence function, and a number of Apple rivals provide related instruments.
Having AirPods translate what’s being mentioned round you in one other language could possibly be an awesome instrument when touring to locations the place communication is tougher.
Backside line
iOS and Android are very mature platforms. It’s robust for Apple and Google to shock followers with main new options, particularly with AI dominating tech conversations these days.
I may use iOS 18 for an additional 12 months and never count on a lot past Apple Intelligence lastly working as supposed.
However iOS 26 may nonetheless be thrilling because of the brand new design and a greater general expertise. Add in just a few sensible tweaks and the iPhone might be a fair higher instrument. That’s all I really need from the pc I exploit essentially the most.
