The 2025 Worldwide Builders Convention is just some days away, with the keynote occasion set to happen on Monday, June 9. Forward of Apple’s massive software program debut, we have rounded up all the rumors that we have heard thus far about iOS 26, macOS 26, and Apple’s different updates.
A Observe on Naming
Apple is streamlining the best way that it numbers working system updates, so all the software program shall be appended with a “26” as an alternative of the quantity that will usually be anticipated in Apple’s prior versioning scheme.
- iOS 19 -> iOS 26
- iPadOS 19 -> iPadOS 26
- macOS 16 -> macOS 26
- tvOS 19 -> tvOS 26
- watchOS 12 -> watchOS 26
- visionOS 3 -> visionOS 26
The “26” used for every time displays the launch season for every replace, protecting the interval between September 2025 and September 2026. Apple is utilizing year-ahead numbering going ahead, so in September 2026, we’ll get iOS 27.
Apple may have gone with the 12 months of launch, which might be 25, however 26 additionally is smart as a result of there are extra months in 2026 the place we’ll be working iOS 26 and its sister updates than in 2025.
With the streamlined naming that Apple is implementing, there will not be a necessity to recollect separate numbers for every working system, and it will be clear which replace got here out wherein 12 months.
iOS 26
iOS 26 goes to get a main design overhaul that is been described as the largest design replace since iOS 7. Inside Apple, the design challenge is known as “Solarium,” which hints at what we will count on. A solarium is an all-glass room that is designed to let in daylight, and rumors counsel that iOS 26 will undertake a extra translucent, glass-inspired aesthetic that is loosely primarily based on visionOS.
visionOS makes use of a semi-translucent interface to permit folks to see their environment in AR or VR whereas additionally interacting with app menus and home windows. visionOS home windows mix into the background for an unobtrusive look, and on the iPhone, Apple may undertake the identical translucency, permitting content material to shine by means of.
iOS 26 is anticipated to get the floating on-screen home windows and menus which are utilized in visionOS, with rounded pop-up navigation and menu bars that float above the content material on the show. Apple could use shading, shadowing, and delicate lighting results to present buttons and different interface parts a slight elevate. Widgets on the Lock Display screen and Residence Display screen will undertake the brand new design, however performance will not change.
App icons may see design tweaks, and notifications, menus in apps, search bars, card-style interfaces, and different components of the iOS consumer interface may have extra rounded corners than we’re used to. The floating navigation bars are anticipated to be pill-shaped, for instance, and Apple goes to make use of pop-out menu choices to permit customers to broaden settings with a faucet. One rumor instructed Apple goes to transition to spherical app icons on iPhone, however Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says that the icons are going to preserve the identical normal form.
iOS 26 has been described as having a shiny or glass-like look, which can also be how visionOS seems. Apple’s WWDC 2025 teaser photographs characteristic frosted glass with smooth colours, and people photographs may give us a take a look at what’s coming.
Mockups which are allegedly primarily based on actual iOS 26 designs have been shared earlier this 12 months by Entrance Web page Tech, demonstrating among the design adjustments that may be in retailer. A mockup of the Digicam app has translucent pop-out menus that higher mix into the background to place the concentrate on the photographs, for instance.
A render of iOS 26’s alleged redesigned Digicam app, from Entrance Web page TechNewer Apple apps like Apple Sports activities and Invitations have less complicated, translucent interface parts with increasing buttons, and will additionally serve for instance of the design language Apple is planning to unveil in iOS 26.
Apple will overhaul its built-in apps with the up to date design, plus the corporate plans to supply builders with design tips and belongings in order that third-party apps can undertake the brand new aesthetic too.
Navigation Simplification and Streamlining
Together with introducing new design language in iOS 26, Apple is streamlining navigation. Rumors counsel that Apple is tweaking menus, buttons, and navigation to make the working system less complicated to be taught and navigate.
A number of the design and interface adjustments will even prolong to macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, bettering design consistency and navigation throughout Apple’s working techniques.
Apple Intelligence Options
There are a number of new Apple Intelligence options which are anticipated in iOS 26.
AI Battery Administration
An AI-powered battery administration software will analyze how you utilize your iPhone and make changes to maximise battery life. The choice will be capable to restrict the facility draw of apps and different system options primarily based on gadget utilization.
Battery administration shall be notably helpful for the iPhone 17 Air that can have a smaller battery than different iPhones, however it is going to be out there on iPhones which are capable of run iOS 26. It is not clear if Apple will announce the AI battery characteristic at WWDC 2025, because it may very well be held till the iPhone 17 Air debut later within the 12 months.
Shortcuts App
Apple plans to replace the Shortcuts app with Apple Intelligence, permitting customers to create actions that use Apple Intelligence fashions. With this performance, which Apple may name “Generative Shortcuts,” Shortcuts shall be simpler to make use of. Even informal customers will be capable to create helpful shortcuts utilizing pure language and assist from AI.
Google Gemini
Apple and Google are near establishing a deal that can add Google Gemini to the iPhone as an alternative choice to ChatGPT, and that is a characteristic that we’ll possible see in iOS 26. Google Gemini would combine with Siri like ChatGPT, with Siri capable of hand requests over to Gemini for extra in-depth AI-powered solutions. Apple could not announce Gemini integration till it is prepared, so this might not be a characteristic we see previewed at WWDC.
Siri
Apple nonetheless hasn’t launched the Apple Intelligence-powered personalised Siri options that debuted at WWDC 2024. These updates are anticipated to come back in some unspecified time in the future in iOS 26, however we’re not fairly positive when. Siri might not be prepared for the launch model of iOS 26, and we’re not anticipating Apple to say these Siri options once more till the performance is prepared.
Here is what’s coming, ultimately:
- Private Context – Siri will be capable to preserve observe of all the pieces in your gadget, like emails, messages, information, and extra, serving to you full duties and discover issues.
- Onscreen consciousness – Siri will know what’s in your display and can be capable to full actions involving no matter you are taking a look at.
- Deeper App Integration – Siri will be capable to do extra in and throughout apps, performing actions and duties that aren’t doable with the non-public assistant proper now. This shall be a characteristic out there for Apple’s apps and third-party apps.
New Apps and App Options
Apple is planning to introduce a brand new Video games app, plus some present apps are getting new performance.
Video games
Apple has a brand new pre-installed gaming app deliberate, and it will substitute Sport Heart and add extra performance than ever earlier than. It should home the video games part of the App Retailer, so you can discover and launch video games from one handy gaming-centric spot, however the App Retailer’s video games part is not going away.
Tabs within the Video games app embrace Residence, Arcade, Play Collectively, Library, and Search. The app will supply sport strategies from Apple’s editorial workforce, and it has instruments for taking part in with family and friends. It can additionally home achievements and leaderboards, changing Sport Heart.
Preview
The Mac Preview app is coming to iOS and iPadOS, and like Video games, it’s going to be pre-installed. It has the identical performance because the Mac model of the app, and it’ll let customers view, edit, and annotate PDF paperwork. It is already doable to annotate PDFs utilizing Markup instruments in apps like Mail, however having a devoted app will make the choices simpler to search out.
Cellphone App
The iOS 26 Cellphone app will achieve a unified view that exhibits favourite contacts, current calls, and voicemails multi functional window. The design shall be opt-in, and Apple will present a setting to make use of the present design with separate tabs.
Apple is anticipated to convey new AI-based dwell translation options to the Cellphone app, for robotically translating conversations between individuals who converse two totally different languages.
Safari
To match the brand new systemwide iOS design, Safari is about to characteristic a extra clear, glass-looking handle bar.
Digicam
The Digicam app’s navigation shall be redone to make it less complicated to get to totally different settings and choices. Apple will use pop-out menus that can make tweaking photograph settings extra intuitive.
Messages
The Messages app may achieve assist for polls in group chats and automated translate. There’s already an choice to lengthy press on a message to translate it to a different language, however in iOS 26, messages that are not in your specified language may very well be translated robotically.
Apple additionally plans to implement customizable backgrounds, permitting customers to decide on a background picture for every dialog. Backgrounds will sync between units and shall be shared with different folks that you simply’re texting with. Customers will be capable to generate backgrounds for the Messages app utilizing text-based descriptions, a characteristic that seems to make use of Picture Playground. Generated backgrounds will be capable to use Picture Playground kinds, together with Animation, Illustration, and Sketch.
Genmoji is getting an replace that can enable customers to mix two present emoji into a brand new emoji, a characteristic that Apple will name “Mixmoji.” With Mixmoji, it is possible for you to to mix two emoji reminiscent of cake and balloons into a brand new emoji that incorporates a cake and a balloon for a celebration.
Music
The Apple Music app is anticipated to realize assist for full display animated artwork on the Lock Display screen. The present Now Taking part in view tints the Lock Display screen primarily based on album artwork, however in iOS 26, album artwork may very well be even bigger.
Notes
The Notes app may assist exporting in Markdown.
CarPlay Updates
CarPlay may get interface adjustments to match the design adjustments which are being launched with iOS 26.
Apple additionally plans to convey new Accessibility options to CarPlay. CarPlay will achieve a Giant Textual content choice and new Sound Recognition capabilities. Sound Recognition will acknowledge crying infants, sending a notification if a crying child is detected contained in the automobile.
New AirPods Options
With an AirPods firmware replace, iOS 26 will enable the AirPods to translate in-person conversations from one language to a different. If an English speaker with AirPods is conversing with somebody who’s talking Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio, translate the speech, and relay it again in English to the AirPods wearer.
Apple additionally plans so as to add different new AirPods options:
- New head gestures – Apple may add new head gestures, reminiscent of a gesture for adjusting the quantity of Dialog Consciousness. Final 12 months, Apple added a nod and a head shake to reply or decline calls.
- Auto-pause for sleep – The AirPods may pause audio when the wearer falls asleep, presumably utilizing sleep knowledge gleaned from the Apple Watch, because the AirPods haven’t any sleep detection performance.
- Digicam set off – Apple is planning so as to add set off performance to the AirPods, capturing a picture on a linked iPhone with a press on the AirPods stem. It is doable this may work with a timer so the iPhone consumer is not touching an ear when the photograph is taken.
- Microphone enhancement – AirPods may get a “studio high quality” microphone mode that is just like the Audio Combine characteristic on iPhone that lets customers select from sound recording choices like studio and cinematic.
- Higher pairing – Apple is seemingly engaged on a characteristic that will enhance how AirPods pair with shared iPads to be used within the classroom.
Connectivity Adjustments
Apple is including a characteristic that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login data throughout units, so you will solely have to enter login particulars for a captive Wi-Fi community as soon as, and it will be out there on your entire Apple merchandise. Captive networks are frequent in accommodations, airports, espresso retailers, and different areas with shared or paid web choices.
Apple may also make it simpler for iPhone customers to switch an eSIM to an Android smartphone.
Stage Supervisor
There is a chance that Apple will add a Stage Supervisor characteristic for iPhone fashions which have a USB-C port, with the characteristic activating when an iPhone is related to an exterior show over USB-C.
Stage Supervisor would enable a number of apps to be opened directly, providing a extra Mac-like expertise when an iPhone is used with a show.
Accessibility Options
Apple previewed new Accessibility options coming to iOS 26 earlier this 12 months, and there are some fascinating new additions.
- Music Haptics – Music Haptics will get customization choices so haptics might be enabled for a whole music or simply vocals, plus there shall be choices to regulate the depth of faucets, textures, and vibrations.
- App Retailer Labels – App Retailer product pages will get Accessibility Diet Labels that spotlight accessibility options in apps.
- Accessibility Reader – Accessibility Reader is a systemwide studying mode that can make textual content simpler to learn due to customization options for adjusting font, colour, spacing, and extra.
- CarPlay – CarPlay is getting assist for Giant Textual content and Sound Recognition that can alert drivers to the sound of a crying child, horns, and sirens.
- Background Sounds – Background Sounds shall be customizable with new EQ settings, timers, and automation actions in Shortcuts.
- Private Voice – Private Voice will let customers protect their voice sooner and extra simply. It can use on-device machine studying to create a smoother, extra natural-sounding voice in beneath a minute.
- Monitoring – Head monitoring and eye monitoring are getting updates, plus Apple is including assist for Mind Pc Interface units.
Developer Options
Apple is planning to supply builders with instruments to entry Apple’s massive language fashions, so customized AI options might be built-in into apps.
Compatibility
iOS 26 is not going to be out there on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, however it would run on all different iPhones that assist iOS 18.
- iPhone 16e
- 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 technology or later)
Whereas these iPhones will assist iOS 26, superior options could also be restricted to newer iPhones with sooner processors. Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, for instance, solely runs on the iPhone 15 Professional and the iPhone 16 fashions.
iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 goes to get the identical design updates which are coming to the iPhone, so it would have the identical glass-like, translucent look.
Apple can also be rumored to be engaged on including new options that can make the iPad expertise extra like utilizing a Mac, introducing improved productiveness, new multitasking options, and expanded window administration choices.
iPadOS 26 could have a Mac-like menu bar when related to a Magic Keyboard, plus Apple is including a brand new reed calligraphy pen choice for Apple Pencil customers that want to put in writing Arabic script.
macOS 26 Tahoe
macOS is the one working system that will get a particular California landmark identify together with its quantity. This 12 months, Apple goes to go together with “Tahoe,” for macOS 26 Tahoe.
Tahoe will be a part of the opposite California landmark names that Apple has used, together with Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, Excessive Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Massive Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Design
Loads of the rumors we have heard this 12 months have centered on the design updates coming in iOS 26, however a few of those self same design adjustments will even debut in macOS 26. The adjustments will not be as dramatic, however Apple is aiming for a extra cohesive look throughout its working techniques.
macOS 26 may get the identical glass-like design replace, with extra translucency, rounded menu parts, rounded app icons, and extra depth by means of a play on gentle and shadow. The Mac design updates will concentrate on the menu bar and window buttons, with widgets additionally set to undertake the brand new look.
Apple Intelligence and Different Options
Lots of the Apple Intelligence options rumored for iOS 26 will even come to macOS Tahoe. We’ll get the identical revamped Shortcuts app and maybe Gemini integration, and ultimately, all the personalised Siri options that Apple previewed at WWDC 2024 will come to iOS and macOS alike.
The Mac can also be going to get the brand new gaming app that Apple has within the works, and assist for cross-device captive Wi-Fi community sharing. Xcode may additionally get a revamp, with Apple set so as to add assist for third-party AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT.
Particular to the Mac, there is a new Magnifier accessibility characteristic that can let Mac customers use their iPhones for zooming in on small textual content and anything that is onerous to learn. It will work utilizing the Continuity Digicam options that hyperlink the iPhone and the Mac.
Macs are additionally going to get assist for Automobile Movement Cues, a characteristic that makes use of small dots on the fringe of the show to match the sensation of motion with what the eyes are seeing, with the goal of reducing down on movement illness.
Compatibility
macOS Tahoe may drop assist for the 2018 MacBook Professional, 2019 iMac, 2017 iMac Professional, 2018 Mac mini, and the Intel-based 2020 MacBook Air. It is anticipated to be appropriate with these Macs:
- MacBook Professional (2019 and later)
- iMac (2020 and later)
- Mac Professional (2019 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
watchOS 26
With watchOS 26, Apple plans to convey among the similar design updates which are coming to iOS 26 to the Apple Watch.
Floating menus, rounder buttons, and simplified navigation have been rumored, too. watchOS already makes use of spherical app icons and buttons, so it would match proper in. Apple may undertake the Solarium search for issues just like the app drawer, notifications, and Management Heart.
Apple’s goal is a extra constant design throughout all of its software program platforms.
New Watch Faces
If watchOS is getting a design replace to match iOS 26, Apple will possible add new watch faces which are designed with the brand new fashion.
Apple Intelligence
The Apple Watch would not have the processing energy to run Apple Intelligence on-device, however it’s rumored to be getting some “powered by Apple Intelligence” options that would depend on its hyperlink to the iPhone.
Proper now, options like ChatGPT Siri integration and Writing Instruments do not prolong to the Apple Watch, however these are choices that Apple may add. The Apple Watch additionally would not assist notification summaries or content material summaries generally.
It is doable Apple will convey the AI-powered battery administration characteristic rumored for the iPhone to the Apple Watch too.
Third-Get together Management Heart Shortcuts
watchOS 26 may introduce assist for third-party shortcuts in Management Heart, permitting third-party app settings to be accessed proper alongside built-in choices for doing issues like toggling on Wi-Fi, turning on Airplane Mode, activating Do Not Disturb, and pinging the iPhone.
The Apple Watch Management Heart may additionally get a brand new format customization choice that will be accessible by means of the Apple Watch app, with Apple permitting customers so as to add new shortcuts and take away those who aren’t mandatory.
AirPods Sleep Detection
The Apple Watch may combine with the AirPods to pause content material that is enjoying when the wearer falls asleep. It is a rumored characteristic for iOS 26, however the AirPods haven’t any sleep detection performance, so the choice would wish to make use of Apple Watch knowledge.
Compatibility
watchOS 26 will run on all Apple Watch fashions that assist watchOS 11.
visionOS 26
The design that Apple used for visionOS is inspiring a brand new search for iOS and macOS, however Apple additionally plans to make some tweaks to the best way that visionOS seems, too. The adjustments are prone to be small in scale, and we do not have lots of element, however a minimum of some visible updates are coming.
Eye-Scrolling
Apple goes so as to add a brand new eye-scrolling choice to the Imaginative and prescient Professional, which can use the built-in eye monitoring options. The Imaginative and prescient Professional already helps navigating by means of the OS by taking a look at one thing on the show after which utilizing a hand gesture to “faucet” it, so eye-based scrolling is a pure extension of that performance.
Apple will add eye scrolling to the built-in Apple apps, and it’ll present an API that can let builders combine the aptitude into third-party apps as properly.
VR Controllers
The Imaginative and prescient Professional will achieve assist for third-party VR hand controllers just like the hand controllers designed by Sony for the PlayStation VR console. VR controllers are higher attuned to VR video games than customary sport controllers as a result of they assist gestures and magic wand performance.
Apple Intelligence
Apple is planning so as to add new Apple Intelligence options to iOS, and it is doable something that is added will even broaden to visionOS. The AI battery administration characteristic rumored for iOS 26 would make sense for the Imaginative and prescient Professional.
Sooner or later, Apple will introduce the Apple Intelligence personalised Siri options that have been proven off at WWDC 2024, and people capabilities will nearly definitely broaden to the Imaginative and prescient Professional.
Video games App
The brand new cross-platform Video games app that Apple has within the works needs to be out there on the Imaginative and prescient Professional in addition to the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The Video games app will embrace all of the content material from the video games part of the App Retailer, together with Apple Arcade content material and Sport Heart options like achievements and leaderboards.
Accessibility
In Might, Apple introduced upcoming Accessibility options that shall be added to visionOS 26. visionOS goes to get new imaginative and prescient accessibility choices for customers who’re blind or have low imaginative and prescient. Zoom will let customers amplify something that is in view utilizing the principle Imaginative and prescient Professional digicam, whereas Stay Recognition in VoiceOver will use on-device machine studying to explain environment, discover objects, and browse paperwork.
Apple is creating a brand new API that can enable accredited apps to make use of the principle digicam for offering dwell, person-to-person help for visible interpretation, a characteristic that shall be helpful for apps like Be My Eyes.
For customers with extreme mobility disabilities, visionOS is gaining a brand new protocol that can assist Swap Management for Mind Pc Interfaces, a expertise that lets customers management their units with mind indicators.
tvOS 26
The visionOS-style design replace that is coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will even prolong to tvOS. tvOS 26 may undertake among the similar translucency for menus, app icons, buttons, and different components of the interface, plus it may get the identical floating look and extra dramatically rounded edges for buttons and home windows which are typical of visionOS.
Apple desires the expertise of utilizing its numerous platforms to really feel extra cohesive, which is why all the pieces is getting among the similar design adjustments.
Screensavers
It is typical for Apple to introduce new screensavers with tvOS updates, so we will maybe count on to see new aerial screensaver choices, in addition to screensavers that match the up to date aesthetic. Final 12 months, Apple got here out with Snoopy screensavers, so we may get extra of these too, or one other partnership.
Video games App
Apple’s cross-platform Video games app that can function a one-stop spot for locating and launching video games on the Apple TV.
The Video games app will basically characteristic the complete video games part of the tvOS App Retailer. It is also anticipated to have options like achievements, leaderboards, and proposals from Apple editors. There may also be new instruments for speaking with different gamers.
Wi-Fi Syncing
In the event you’re within the uncommon scenario of needing to attach your Apple TV to a captive community at a university or comparable location, you will be glad to listen to that the captive Wi-Fi syncing choice rumored for the iPhone will work throughout all platforms.
With this characteristic, you will solely have to log right into a captive community on one in all your Apple units, and the login data will sync to all the pieces else signed into your Apple Account.
Compatibility
tvOS 26 will run on the Apple TV HD from 2015 and later Apple TV fashions.
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K (1st technology, 2017)
- Apple TV 4K (2nd technology, 2021)
- Apple TV 4K (third technology, 2022)
HomePod Software program
We do not have particulars about what’s coming to the HomePod and HomePod mini in up to date software program, however Apple sometimes launches new software program for its HomePods alongside different software program updates. We do know that the forthcoming HomePod software program is anticipated to run on all HomePod fashions, together with the unique HomePod.
HomeOS
For a number of years now, we have been seeing hints of a platform known as “homeOS,” which may very well be a brand new platform that is designed to run on upcoming Apple units like the sensible dwelling hub.
Apple seems to have not too long ago trademarked homeOS in a number of nations around the globe, so it is doable we’ll see some trace of it at WWDC. It is extra possible that Apple is getting ready for some type of product launch that can come later within the 12 months.
homeOS is distinct from the software program that runs on the HomePod.
No {Hardware} Bulletins
Apple generally debuts new {hardware} at its developer occasions, however this 12 months, there have been no rumors of merchandise which are prepared to come back out across the June timeframe.
We aren’t anticipating any hardware-related bulletins, with the main target set to be on Apple’s up to date software program naming scheme and the design refresh that is rolling out throughout most of its updates.
Find out how to Watch the WWDC 2025 Keynote
The WWDC 2025 keynote will happen on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will dwell stream the occasion on its web site, on YouTube, and within the TV app. We’ve a full record of when WWDC will happen in your timezone in our Find out how to Watch WWDC 2025 information.
In the event you’re not capable of watch dwell, we’ll have a dwell weblog and protection of the bulletins right here at MacRumors, plus we’ll be dwell tweeting the occasion on the MacRumorsLive account.
Software program Launch Information
Apple will make the brand new variations of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 out there to builders for testing functions simply after the June 9 keynote occasion. Testing will proceed for a number of months, with Apple possible planning to supply a public beta choice beginning in July. The entire updates will launch within the fall alongside new iPhone fashions.
