iOS 26: What to Expect From Apple’s Next Big iPhone Update

Apple is skipping ahead to iOS 26, and no, that’s not a typo. Instead of iOS 19, the tech giant is aligning its software version numbers with the calendar year—and iOS 26 is set to land in 2025. This bold move isn’t just about branding; it reflects major updates under the hood, from a sleek new look to serious AI-powered smarts.

Why Apple Is Calling It iOS 26

Instead of following the usual version sequence, Apple is bringing iOS in line with macOS, watchOS, and visionOS by adopting a year-based naming system. iOS 26 corresponds with 2026, the year the update will be widely available.

This naming change, first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, signals that Apple sees iOS 26 as a milestone release—not just another yearly refresh.

iOS 26 Features: What’s New and Noteworthy

Apple hasn’t officially announced iOS 26 yet, but thanks to reliable reports and early leaks, we have a solid idea of what might be coming. Here are the standout features to keep an eye on:

1. Redesigned Interface Inspired by visionOS

Expect a more immersive user experience, including translucent layers, depth effects, and floating elements that mirror what you see in Apple Vision Pro. The goal: make iOS feel more modern, fluid, and future-ready.

2. Smarter Siri With Built-In AI

Siri is expected to get a major upgrade, powered by large language models (LLMs). That means better understanding of natural language, multi-step commands, and smarter responses tailored to your context.

3. Apple Intelligence: AI-First Features

Under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, iOS 26 may introduce on-device tools like:

• Genmoji: Create your own AI-generated emoji.
• Image Playground: Generate visuals with simple prompts.
• AI Health Coaching: Get personalized fitness and wellness tips based on your habits.

4. Smarter Battery Management

AI-powered optimization will help extend battery life by learning how and when you use certain apps, then adjusting background activity accordingly.

5. Customizable Control Center and Focus Modes

Rumors suggest you’ll have more ways to tweak your Control Center layout and use smarter Focus modes that adjust based on your activity, time, or location.

6. Deeper Device Integration

Apple is expected to enhance cross-device experiences, especially between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Devices with M1 or later chips will support seamless handoffs of Apple Intelligence features.

iOS 26 Release Date

Apple will officially preview iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, scheduled for June. Developers will get beta access shortly after the event, followed by a public beta rollout in mid-summer. The stable version should arrive in September 2025, right alongside the iPhone 17.

Supported Devices

Not every device will be able to take advantage of all the new features. Expect the AI-heavy tools to be limited to newer hardware:

• iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro and newer
• iPads: M1 and newer
• Macs: M1 and newer (for Apple Intelligence sync)

Older devices may still get the update but won’t support everything. Apple tends to reserve the flashiest upgrades for hardware that can handle them.

Why iOS 26 Could Be a Game-Changer

iOS 26 isn’t just another iPhone update. It represents a major evolution in how iOS works, looks, and interacts with you. If iOS 7 was the design revolution, iOS 26 could be the intelligence revolution.

From personalized AI tools to a more adaptive interface, this release is shaping up to make your iPhone feel less like a device and more like a digital assistant that understands your needs.

Final Thoughts

We’ll be following all the official announcements at WWDC 2025 and breaking down the most exciting updates as they happen. Expect follow-up articles covering:

• Beta walkthroughs
• Apple Intelligence deep dives
• Tips for upgrading your iPhone

Stay tuned!

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.