iOS 19 Skipped for iOS 26: Here’s What Apple Plans to Reveal Tonight
The most-anticipated software update from Apple will be shown off tonight at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Apple usually names its products with numbers, but this year, the tech giant is allegedly skipping iOS 19 in favor of iOS 26, which makes the version number match the year—2025. The WWDC 2025 address will be live-streamed at 10:30 PM IST and will show how Apple is putting more effort into AI, unified design, and speed improvements. This list shows the 12 most likely new features that will be released.
1. iOS 26 Naming Convention
The change from iOS 18 to iOS 26 mirrors Apple’s plan to use the same version for everything. As a result, it makes it easier to determine the iOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS version.
2. Liquid Glass Design Overhaul
Something that gets a lot of attention is the Liquid Glass UI, which makes everything look rounded, glossy, and transparent, inspired by visionOS. Because of this change, the iPhone will feel more modern and deeper to use.
3. Unified UI Across Devices
When iOS 26 comes out, the whole Apple world will use the same design language. Similar style changes are also coming to iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. This will make the user experience more standard across all Apple products.
4. AI-Powered Apple Intelligence
iOS 26 could be the moment when “Apple Intelligence”, a new privacy-minded AI inside Apple devices, becomes available. It would result in smart responses, a summary tool for emails, and an AI assisted search in Safari, Notes, and Messages.
5. Battery Optimization Using AI
There is a good possibility that Apple will add an AI function to its battery management. Using your charging schedule and phone apps, the feature can help your battery and avoid overheating.
6. Revamped Siri (Phase 1)
This means that stronger Siri might not come right away, but foundational updates for Siri are supposed to come with iOS 26. Voice recognition will improve, conversations will be more natural to have, and understanding the context will be better.
7. New Games App
Game Center services could be canceled by Apple in order to offer a dedicated Games app. The result would be having all games, achievements, leaderboards, and social features gathered under the Cloud.
8. Genmoji Enhancements
In iOS 18, Genmoji (AI-generated emojis) were introduced, and iOS 26 could add more features to this new option. Soon enough, social media users could easily make their own emoji symbols by using their faces or descriptions.
9. Live Translations via AirPods
Real-time translation powered by on-device AI is expected, especially when using AirPods. This will be useful during calls or in-person conversations, possibly integrated directly into the Messages and FaceTime apps.
10. Updated System Apps
System apps like Safari, Photos, Calendar, and Messages are expected to receive redesigned interfaces and deeper AI integrations, such as smart summaries and scheduling suggestions.
11. Stage Manager for iPhone
Some high-end iPhones might get a Stage Manager-like feature, previously exclusive to iPads. This would enhance multitasking, especially when connected to external displays via USB-C.
12. Deeper Shortcuts and API Integration
iOS 26 may allow third-party developers to integrate Apple Intelligence into their apps via new APIs. The Shortcuts app is also likely to get smarter with AI-based suggestions for automations.
Final Thoughts
Hardware news is not likely to happen tonight, but iOS 26’s focus on a more updated user interface, AI on the device, and battery intelligence makes the iPhone experience feel more like it does in the future. iOS 26 could be Apple’s most risky update since iOS 7 because it puts a lot of faith in AI and privacy.
Watch the video of WWDC 2025 to see these developments happen as they happen.
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