As anticipation builds for Apple’s annual Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) from 9–13 June, recent leaks and media experiences recommend the tech big is gearing up for some of the important updates to its software program ecosystem in years, full with a sweeping rebranding and daring design shift.
iOS 26, not 19: A brand new period in naming
In a radical departure from custom, Apple is anticipated to rename its working programs primarily based on the final two digits of the upcoming yr. Meaning the following iPhone software program, initially anticipated as iOS 19, will as a substitute debut as iOS 26. This new naming conference will apply throughout the board, together with iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 — all aligning with the yr of launch in 2025.
The change, reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, marks a branding refresh that underscores the size of updates Apple has deliberate.
Recent options throughout units
Past aesthetics, the brand new software program updates are tipped to incorporate a variety of sensible enhancements. A redesigned, minimalist Digicam app will possible concentrate on simplicity with simply two tabs: images and movies. AirPods might acquire real-time translation capabilities, whereas Messages is ready to obtain quality-of-life enhancements resembling FaceTime integration and simpler again navigation.
In the meantime, watchOS updates may introduce long-awaited well being monitoring instruments — together with blood stress and glucose monitoring.
Gaming will get a lift?
Apple can also be imagined to be growing a devoted gaming software, anticipated to debut at WWDC and launch later this yr. This new platform may consolidate video games, leaderboards, messaging, and achievements, and are available pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV units.
‘Solarium’: A visible overhaul impressed by visionOS
Internally dubbed “Solarium,” Apple’s upcoming consumer interface redesign may very well be described as some of the important in its historical past. Probably to attract closely from the design language of visionOS, the replace might promise a sleeker, extra unified aesthetic throughout all units.
Customers can count on glass-like translucency in apps, floating home windows, pill-shaped tab bars, rounded controls, shimmer results on the lock display, and elongated toggles within the Settings menu. These visible adjustments are anticipated to deliver a contemporary, cohesive look throughout iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
AI developments and ‘Apple Intelligence’
Synthetic intelligence stays excessive on Apple’s agenda. Whereas lots of the “Apple Intelligence” options introduced in 2024 are but to reach, the corporate is anticipated to stipulate its subsequent steps on the convention.
Among the many AI-powered upgrades below improvement may very well be a wiser, redesigned Siri, an AI-based doctor feature for the Well being app, and clever battery optimisation options. Though full rollouts could also be staggered into 2026, Apple is more likely to provide a preview of how AI will turn out to be extra deeply embedded in its software program.
