5 Rumored iOS 26 Features Expected at WWDC 2025

5 Rumored iOS 26 Features We Could See at WWDC 2025

Apple's upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is anticipated to be a significant event, even with the potential delay of its AI-powered software rebirth to the following year. Reliable sources have provided insights into what to expect for the next major iOS overhaul, potentially skipping iOS 19 and jumping directly to iOS 26. This update might feature a design overhaul inspired by visionOS, and the introduction of an AI health coach could be a major draw for fitness enthusiasts.

Key Rumored Features for iOS 26:

Translation in Messages: The Messages app is expected to gain automatic translation for both incoming and outgoing messages. This feature, while not entirely new to the market (seen in Samsung's Galaxy AI and Google Translate), would be a native integration for Apple, simplifying cross-language communication.
Full-Screen Lock Screen Makeover: iOS 26 could introduce animated album art that covers the entire lock screen, offering a more dynamic visual experience compared to the current tinted or static album artwork. This could be enhanced with AI-driven customization options.
Polls in iMessage: After years of absence, iMessage might finally receive a poll feature. AI integration could further enhance this by automatically suggesting poll structures based on conversation context, making group decision-making more efficient and fun.
Notes App Enhancements: Apple's Notes app is rumored to gain Markdown support, a feature long available in third-party apps. This would be a significant upgrade for users who prefer command-based formatting and a more streamlined workflow.
CarPlay Redesign: CarPlay is expected to receive an aesthetic update, aligning its user interface with the overall design language across Apple's platforms. This could include translucent theming, updated iconography, and floating UI elements, potentially building on the "CarPlay Ultra" concept.

AI Integration and Design Philosophy:

Apple's focus on AI, particularly with "Apple Intelligence," is expected to permeate these new features. The integration of AI into the Messages app for translation and polls, and potentially for enhancing lock screen visuals, highlights Apple's strategy to leverage AI for user convenience and engagement. The rumored design overhaul, drawing inspiration from visionOS, suggests a move towards more immersive and visually rich interfaces across Apple's ecosystem.

Market Context and Competition:

Many of these rumored features, such as in-app translation and advanced customization, are already present in competing platforms. Apple's success will depend on how seamlessly and effectively it integrates these features into its ecosystem, leveraging its own AI capabilities to offer a superior user experience. The introduction of Markdown support in the Notes app addresses a long-standing request from power users, while the CarPlay redesign aims to create a more unified and intuitive in-car experience.

Conclusion:

While these are still rumors, the potential features for iOS 26 paint a picture of an update focused on enhancing communication, personalization, and productivity through AI and refined design. WWDC 2025 will be the stage where Apple officially unveils its next steps for iOS, and users will be eager to see how these rumored features translate into reality.