iOS 26 and iPadOS 26: Rumored Features and AI Integration at WWDC 2025

iOS 26 Rumored to Bring Significant Upgrades to iPhone and iPad

Apple is gearing up for WWDC 2025, where it's expected to unveil major updates to its software portfolio, including iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. While AI features are a significant focus, some of the more ambitious AI advancements may be pushed to next year. However, Apple is still expected to deliver meaningful updates to its user base, with a particular emphasis on core in-house experiences and improvements to existing apps.

Phone App Enhancements

In response to competitors like Google, Samsung, and OnePlus, Apple is reportedly set to enhance its default Phone app in iOS 26. This includes a new consolidated view for contacts, recent calls, and voicemails. AI will also play a role, with the introduction of live translation for phone calls, a feature already present on other platforms. The goal is to make the translation process seamless and natural-sounding.

Camera App Overhaul

While iPhones are generally praised for their camera capabilities, the default camera app could benefit from increased interactivity and user-friendliness. Currently, many advanced features are buried in the Settings app, and there's a lack of a proper Pro mode or customizable UI, unlike on Android. iOS 26 is rumored to address this by simplifying the camera app, potentially consolidating photo and video controls with adjustable elements like exposure value. Inspiration may be drawn from third-party apps like Kino for a more intuitive user experience.

Messages App Improvements

The Messages app is also slated for several key upgrades in iOS 26. Users will gain the ability to create polls within the app and set custom chat backgrounds, similar to features found on Instagram and WhatsApp. These backgrounds will sync across devices and with other users in a conversation. Furthermore, live translation is expected to be integrated into the Messages app, a significant benefit for multilingual users, potentially including voice translation for a more comprehensive experience.

AI-Powered Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app is set to receive a significant boost with AI integration. The upgraded version will allow users to create automations and routines using Apple Intelligence models, potentially through a text-to-shortcut approach. This could enable users to instruct Siri to create complex shortcuts, such as converting images to PDFs and emailing them. Apple's plan to open its AI models to developers could also facilitate cross-app shortcuts, similar to Google's Gemini integration on Android.

iPadOS 26 and Other Updates

iPadOS 26 is also anticipated to receive a macOS-like makeover, enhancing its functionality for iPad users. Apple is also expected to align its operating system numbering, with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 all being released. The article also touches upon related topics like the best new movies on streaming services, and the importance of wearables in healthcare.

Author: Nadeem Sarwar

Publication Date: June 6, 2025

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