Apple will open WWDC 2025 on Monday with its annual introductory keynote, the place it is going to demo the tentpole options of its varied working methods. This might be a media occasion to recollect for a number of causes.
First, Apple has to deal with the Apple Intelligence elephant within the room. iOS 18 did not ship Apple’s AI guarantees, with the most important Apple Intelligence characteristic nonetheless vaporware (for now).
Second, Apple will introduce a brand new design language for all its working methods, which is able to assist unify the software program experiences throughout its merchandise. It’s already very simple to maneuver from an iPhone to an iPad or Mac, however the brand new visuals ought to make that have seamless.
Lastly, that is the yr when Apple additionally adjustments the naming construction for all its working methods. There’s no iOS 19. As an alternative, we’re getting iOS 26, a moniker that most likely means “2026.” All different working methods will get the identical “26” designator.
With all that in thoughts, iOS 26 would be the most fascinating factor popping out of WWDC 2025 for me. I’m a longtime iPhone consumer, and I’m already wanting ahead to the iOS 26 beta releases. Many iOS 26 design particulars and options have leaked up to now few months, so I’ll offer you an inventory of my priorities for the upcoming working system.
I received’t make the identical mistake as final yr. I received’t get enthusiastic about massive Apple Intelligence options, like a SiriGPT expertise that might rival ChatGPT. As an alternative, I’ll take the smaller AI wins that Apple can ship and wait to be stunned down the highway.
Additionally, I’ll say that I’m deeply entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem of merchandise. A number of the iOS 26 options under will want different merchandise to work, just like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
iOS Stability
I’ve been working iOS betas nearly solely since Apple began making them obtainable. I most likely skipped only one launch, and it’s been a terrific experience. Even early developer betas have been higher than anticipated.
I count on bugs from beta software program. However sadly, bugs additionally present up in business iOS releases that most individuals use.
With iOS 26, Apple is rumored to give attention to bettering stability. I hope that’s true and iOS will actually “simply work.” If that occurs, then beta releases must also be smoother.
New design
I can’t say I’ve points with the present iOS design. Apple has added a number of customization choices in recent times, from the Lock Display to the Residence Display. However I wouldn’t thoughts extra cohesion between the assorted working methods, particularly since I’m dreaming of shopping for Apple foldables down the highway. These gadgets might want to provide UI experiences that transition between iPhone and iPad or iPad and Mac.
iOS 26 will begin that design revolution. All of the working methods Apple is about to unveil will characteristic visionOS-inspired design. We count on a number of translucency, extra nimble menus that don’t block content material from view, and possibly new app icon designs.
iOS 26 may really feel like a recent begin, which each and every OS wants each few years.
New digital camera expertise
All apps will profit from the brand new iOS 26 design, particularly Apple’s iPhone apps. The Digital camera app is one I take advantage of probably the most, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing a less complicated interface that lets me give attention to what I’m taking pictures.
We’ll supposedly get separate menus for photographs and movies as an alternative of a number of choices crowding the display screen. The menus can have the identical glass-like look as the remainder of iOS. Once more, it ought to resemble the visionOS UI from the spatial laptop.
Well being coach
I run rather a lot, so I take advantage of the Apple Watch and the Well being and Health apps to trace all my well being information.
I haven’t been pleased with the bugs which have impacted my Apple Watch Sequence 10 this yr, and I hope iOS 26 will repair lots of them.
However I’m enthusiastic about Apple bringing AI options to the Well being and Health apps. Rumors say Apple will embody a well being coach in iOS 26. The AI coach ought to provide recommendation based mostly on the well being information collected by the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Additionally fascinating is the thought of a brand new food-tracking characteristic in iOS 26. The Well being app has one, however I’d love a extra intuitive model.
AI-powered battery mode
AI will help in different areas, not simply with life-style and train. Rumors say Apple will use synthetic intelligence to enhance battery life. Particularly, Apple’s AI may analyze how I take advantage of my iPhone and discover methods to enhance effectivity and save battery.
This iOS 26 characteristic most likely received’t be obtainable on a telephone like my iPhone 14 Professional, which I’m utilizing after downgrading from the iPhone 16 Professional Max. Nevertheless it may be nice for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air coming this fall, which is the gadget I’ll improve to lengthy earlier than I choose a foldable Apple telephone.
Higher public Wi-Fi experiences
Not all the brand new options in iOS 26 should be flashy. Generally, small tweaks could make a giant distinction. One rumored characteristic is best help for public Wi-Fi that requires signing right into a “captive” community, like these in inns or airports.
I often keep away from public Wi-Fi and use mobile information and VPNs for privateness and safety. However generally public Wi-Fi is critical.
A captive-portal Wi-Fi the place you register continues to be higher than an open one. However you often should register on every gadget. iOS 26 will repair that by guaranteeing that every one Apple gadgets utilizing the identical Apple ID join as soon as one in every of them does.
AirPods dwell translation
Different iOS 26 options may be nice-to-have methods that received’t get a lot use. The rumored dwell translation help for AirPods is one in every of them. That is doubtless an Apple Intelligence characteristic, and a number of Apple rivals provide comparable instruments.
Having AirPods translate what’s being stated round you in one other language could possibly be a terrific software when touring to locations the place communication is tougher.
Backside line
iOS and Android are very mature platforms. It’s robust for Apple and Google to shock followers with main new options, particularly with AI dominating tech conversations these days.
I may use iOS 18 for an additional yr and never count on a lot past Apple Intelligence lastly working as meant.
However iOS 26 may nonetheless be thrilling because of the brand new design and a greater total expertise. Add in a number of sensible tweaks and the iPhone could be a good higher software. That’s all I actually need from the pc I take advantage of probably the most.
