Apple will open WWDC 2025 on Monday with its annual introductory keynote, the place it can demo the tentpole options of its varied working methods. This shall be a media occasion to recollect for a number of causes.
First, Apple has to handle the Apple Intelligence elephant within the room. iOS 18 didn’t ship Apple’s AI guarantees, with the largest Apple Intelligence characteristic nonetheless vaporware (for now).
Second, Apple will introduce a brand new design language for all its working methods, which can 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 12 months when Apple additionally modifications the naming construction for all its working methods. There’s no iOS 19. As an alternative, we’re getting iOS 26, a moniker that in all probability means “2026.” All different working methods will get the identical “26” designator.
With all that in thoughts, iOS 26 would be the most attention-grabbing factor popping out of WWDC 2025 for me. I’m a longtime iPhone person, and I’m already wanting ahead to the iOS 26 beta releases. Many iOS 26 design particulars and options have leaked previously few months, so I’ll provide you with an inventory of my priorities for the upcoming working system.
I received’t make the identical mistake as final 12 months. I received’t get enthusiastic about huge 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 shocked 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 in all probability skipped only one launch, and it’s been an awesome trip. Even early developer betas have been higher than anticipated.
I anticipate 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 concentrate on enhancing stability. I hope that’s true and iOS will actually “simply work.” If that occurs, then beta releases also needs to be smoother.
New design
I can’t say I’ve points with the present iOS design. Apple has added plenty of customization choices lately, from the Lock Display to the House Display. However I wouldn’t thoughts extra cohesion between the varied working methods, particularly since I’m dreaming of shopping for Apple foldables down the highway. These units 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 anticipate plenty 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 contemporary begin, which each and every OS wants each few years.
New digicam 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 essentially the most, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing an easier interface that lets me concentrate on 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. 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 proud of the bugs which have impacted my Apple Watch Collection 10 this 12 months, and I hope iOS 26 will repair a lot of them.
However I’m enthusiastic about Apple bringing AI options to the Well being and Health apps. Rumors say Apple will embrace 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 attention-grabbing 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 in all probability received’t be obtainable on a telephone like my iPhone 14 Professional, which I’m utilizing after downgrading from the iPhone 16 Professional Max. But it surely 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 decide a foldable Apple telephone.
Higher public Wi-Fi experiences
Not all the brand new options in iOS 26 need to be flashy. Generally, small tweaks could make a giant distinction. One rumored characteristic is best assist for public Wi-Fi that requires signing right into a “captive” community, like these in resorts or airports.
I often keep away from public Wi-Fi and use mobile information and VPNs for privateness and safety. However typically public Wi-Fi is important.
A captive-portal Wi-Fi the place you check in remains to be higher than an open one. However you often need to check in on every gadget. iOS 26 will repair that by making certain that every one Apple units utilizing the identical Apple ID join as soon as certainly one of them does.
AirPods stay translation
Different iOS 26 options may be nice-to-have tips that received’t get a lot use. The rumored stay translation assist for AirPods is certainly one of them. That is probably an Apple Intelligence characteristic, and a number of Apple rivals provide related instruments.
Having AirPods translate what’s being stated round you in one other language may very well be an awesome device when touring to locations the place communication is harder.
Backside line
iOS and Android are very mature platforms. It’s powerful for Apple and Google to shock followers with main new options, particularly with AI dominating tech conversations these days.
I might use iOS 18 for an additional 12 months and never anticipate a lot past Apple Intelligence lastly working as supposed.
However iOS 26 might nonetheless be thrilling due to the brand new design and a greater general expertise. Add in a number of good tweaks and the iPhone might be a good higher device. That’s all I actually need from the pc I take advantage of essentially the most.
