Key Highlights of WWDC 2025 and iOS 26 Rumors

Rahul Beniwal

Founder, CEO & Director at - Orage Technologies

Rahul Beniwal, with over 15 years of experience under his belt- in software development, cloud infrastructure, product management, and systems architecture. These experiences have helped...

It’s June 9, the most awaited time of the month for every Apple user. The WWDC 2025 event of Apple is set to announce all the significant changes, launch the iOS version, and update your current iOS devices, which attracts most users. 

This time, it’s not iOS 19; they are jumping to iOS 26, so it finally seems that nearly all the iOS 26 rumours are turning right. 

At WWDC 2025, Apple debuted its all-new design language, “Liquid Glass.” This modern, translucent style will completely change the interface and aesthetics of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and beyond. Besides surprising you with visual changes, they are completely transforming the capabilities of devices. 

And the surprises didn’t end there. Along with the rollout of iOS 26, Apple released AI-based platforms, multitasking capabilities that improve productivity, a mobile gaming-only hub, and, without a doubt, the smartest call-screening technologies we have ever seen.

Let’s look at everything Apple announced at WWDC 2025, why the most significant jump from iOS 19 to iOS 26, and what it will mean for all iOS devices. 

Key Highlights of WWDC 2025 Event

Apple disclosed significant software updates at WWDC 2025. Developer beta versions were released on June 9th, public beta versions will be available during July and the final releases should be available during the Fall.

iOS 26

Apple’s flagship mobile operating system is being redesigned to be smarter, cleaner, and more intuitive. The Phone app will have new AI technology to screen spam and robocalls, even answering them as they come in for you. 

Messages will add tools like Polls to group chats to facilitate group decisions. The Camera app will have a revamped interface that emphasizes usability. 

Devices utilizing Apple Intelligence will have improved Visual Intelligence features, with better image analysis and on-device summarization. 

WatchOS 26

WWDC 2025 features the significant announcement of WatchOS 26. This means your Apple Watch will get even brighter and smarter. With WatchOS 26, your ideal Workout Buddy will give you real-time AI-prescriptive coaching to help you meet your fitness goals. 

The Smart Stack adapts according to context to display the most pertinent information, such as surface weather data, throughout your commute.  Volume controls will adjust based on the environmental noise in your surroundings.

TvOS 26

tvOS now has an unrestricted, inclusive, and clean Liquid Glass aesthetic. Profiles meant that you can jump back into your shows or movies with a more personalized experience. Apple Music Sing can turn your iPhone into a microphone for karaoke night.

macOS 26

You are now meeting macOS Tahoe, which updates the Liquid Glass design for Mac. The Dock, sidebars, and transparent menu representations recreate a modern desktop experience.

For real-time updates, the Mac menu bar will sync with the iPhone’s Live Activities. Spotlight can now perform over 100 actions, such as sending messages or creating reminders, eliminating the need to open an app.

The native Phone application is now fully integrated into macOS, which leads to much better call management and spam protection.

iPadOS 26

iPads are evolving into real productivity machines. Apple is introducing a new windowing system that supports some of the freedom of Mac-level multitasking with movable app windows that can be resized.

The iPad now has the Preview software, which allows you to edit photos and annotate PDFs.

The Files app has a new look, organization, file tagging, and customization. New audio technologies are designed for creators to make recording and switching between input sources easier.

VisionOS 26

The Vision Pro is becoming more social and more functional. Widgets are being brought to the spatial computing Stack so users can pin glanceable info in 3D space.

For example, the new Shared Spatial Experiences are designed to let users share an augmented experience with their friends while they watch a movie or play a game.

The new Apple Intelligence translation service allows for a translation window to quickly pop up during a phone call, or even a text conversation, which is great for overcoming language barriers.

Why Biggest Jump iOS 26? Why not iOS 19?

Apple is aligning its software version numbers to calendar years, similar to how car companies associate model numbers. Because of this, iOS 26 will be released this fall rather than iOS 19.

“Our releases in 2025, which are intended to power users into 2026, will all be version 26,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of Software Engineering, said.

That means every OS will follow the same year-matching logic. iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

The following iPhone models will receive a free update to iOS 26 this fall:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 16 series

Some of the more advanced Apple Intelligence features, including various AI features, will require newer hardware, being limited to:

• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• All iPhone 16 models.

iOS 26: Features and Updates 

While the world watched the WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple also revealed a fascinating look at the advancements in iOS 26. Here’s what’s generating excitement:

New Design Revolution 

iOS 26 projects a contemporary, glass-like User Interface that elegantly fuses with iPadOS and macOS while creating an Identity.

• With translucent layers, you can see the elements that matter the most.
• Menus are smaller and smarter by only revealing what is needed.
• You should expect redesigned app icons from the visionOS for futuristic appeal.

Camera Simplification

The Camera app is simplified and is no longer cluttered with settings.

• Dedicated menus for photo and video modes help reduce menu confusion.
• Menus will now feature the Liquid Glass aesthetic, so visuals align with the system UI.
• You will find easier and faster access to settings, filters, resolutions and lenses.

Personal Al Health Coach

Health coaching meets intelligence.

iOS 26 includes an AI-powered coaching feature that delivers plans based on your habits.

• It gives you useful feedback to assist you in reaching your fitness objectives.
• Smarter food tracking allows for recommendations to healthier meal choices.
• More precise recommendations are supported by access to the Apple Watch data.

Smarter Battery Life Management

Say Goodbye to battery anxiety.

• With on-device intelligence, iOS 26 will learn your usage patterns; once it learns your habits, it will adapt performance to save power.
• It might prioritize some essential apps, lower the activity of others in the background, and defer non-urgent app updates.
• We would expect the feature to debut with devices like the iPhone 17 Air which are next-gen.

Enhancements to CarPlay

• CarPlay is getting more powerful and more personal than ever.
• A new compact call view keeps navigation at the forefront during calls.
• CarPlay messages now allow pinned chats and tap-backs.
• Widgets and Live Activities let you keep an eye on sports scores, deliveries, and more, without taking your eye off the road.
• New CarPlay Ultra offers deeper car integration across all screens.

Updates to Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet

Your favorite Apple apps are getting more innovative and more global. Here are the top changes you can expect to see in Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet:

• Apple Music adds lyrics translation and pronunciation guides to make music more accessible around the world.
• AutoMix seamlessly transitions between tracks like a DJ, perfect for parties or workouts.
• Apple Maps now tracks Visited Places, providing a secure, end-to-end encrypted history of restaurants, stores, and landmarks you’ve visited.
• Apple Wallet now offers in-store installment payment options, and redesigned boarding passes with Live Activities for flights.

Additional Features in iOS 26

The surprises don’t end here. Apple has rolled out some additional surprises. There is something available for everyone in iOS 26. 

• Apple Games is your new central place for gaming, from trending games to live events to updates. 
• AirPods now offer studio-quality voice recording and better calls with the added Vocal Isolation. 
• Parental Controls are smarter, meaning you can approve or filter content more judiciously. For example, you can blur sensitive content in shared albums or on FaceTime calls. 
• Accessibility is also improved substantially with features like Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, and wider Live Listen tools.

Conclusion

iOS 26 is here to rule, and you can expect that this time, you will be amazed by its promising features. With iOS 26 and all the updates that come with it, Apple is here to completely transform the user experience for all iOS users. Whether you’re a casual user, a fitness buff, a gamer, a traveller, or a content creator, the new Apple ecosystem is designed to be better, smarter, and prettier than ever.

So, if you are wondering whether you can update to iOS 26, then not yet. The updates are currently in a beta version available for developers. However, give it a try; you might see some lag during the beta version. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is WWDC 2025 Apple?

WWDC 2025 is Apple’s annual developers conference (June 9–13). At it, Apple unveiled iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, VisionOS 26 with the new “Liquid Glass” design language.

Which iPhones are getting iOS 26?

iOS 26 supports all A13 Bionic+ iPhones: iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series, plus SE 2020/2022. It drops support for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.

What is the iOS 26 release date?

Announced June 9, 2025. Full public release expected around mid‑September—likely Sept 16, 2025—coinciding with iPhone 17 launch.

How to upgrade to iOS 26?

Install beta now via Settings → General → Software Update if enrolled in Apple’s developer or public beta. Full release via a regular update this fall.

Why is 26 after iOS 18?

Apple switched OS numbering to reflect the upcoming calendar year. Instead of iOS 19–25, the update was named iOS 26.

Also Read: Apple Vision Pro with PSVR2 Controller: VR Gaming Gets a New Era

Rahul BeniwalFounder, CEO & Director at - Orage Technologies

Rahul Beniwal, with over 15 years of experience under his belt- in software development, cloud infrastructure, product management, and systems architecture. These experiences have helped him design scalable solutions and businesses. He’s lived the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, guided teams through growth and change, and stayed curious about how technology continues to shape the way we work and live. In his writing, he blends deep technical insight with real-world business know-how, offering readers tools and perspectives that come from actual experience.

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