On June 9, 2025, Apple will present iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, a highly anticipated event that could mark an important milestone for iPhone users. According to several rumors, this update will bring significant changes, ranging from a new name for the operating system to a major visual overhaul. Here is a summary of potential new features and the implications of this update.
- A name change: iOS 26 on the horizon
- A visual overhaul inspired by Vision Pro
- Expected new features
- A centralized gaming application
- An AI-powered health coach
- AI-optimized battery management
- Reverse wireless charging
- Improvements in Messages
- Notable absences and a focus on design
- Implications for users and the industry
A name change: iOS 26 on the horizon
According to information relayed by Bloomberg, Apple is considering modifying its naming convention for operating systems, abandoning version numbers in favor of the release year. Thus, iOS 19 could be renamed iOS 26, following a logic similar to that of automobile models, where the number reflects the upcoming year (2026). This new convention will also apply to Apple’s other systems: iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This change aims to simplify version understanding for users and to unify the brand across different platforms.
A visual overhaul inspired by Vision Pro
The most striking rumor concerns a major visual redesign, the largest since iOS 7 in 2013. According to Bloomberg, iOS 26 would be inspired by visionOS, Apple’s operating system for the Vision Pro headset. This design would introduce translucent visual elements, rounded icons, and transparent panels, offering a modern and refined aesthetic. This approach, already used in visionOS, aims to harmonize the user experience across Apple devices, while emphasizing simplified navigation and a futuristic style.
Expected new features
A centralized gaming application
Apple is working on a new gaming app that would integrate Apple Arcade and App Store games. This central hub would include rankings, achievements, and editorial content, strengthening Apple’s gaming offering, especially after the acquisition of RAC7 studio, as reported by DigitalTrends.
An AI-powered health coach
An artificial intelligence (AI) feature could transform the Health app into a personal coach. This chatbot would offer lifestyle advice and health recommendations based on data collected through the Health app, which could also include nutrition tracking for carbohydrates and caffeine.
AI-optimized battery management
An AI-based battery management system would analyze usage patterns to extend iPhone battery life. Additionally, a charging icon on the lock screen would indicate the estimated time for a full recharge, improving user experience.
Reverse wireless charging
Tested on iPhone 17 Pro models, reverse wireless charging would allow users to charge accessories like AirPods or Apple Watch directly from the iPhone, a feature already present on some competing devices.
Improvements in Messages
According to 9to5Mac, the Messages app would benefit from automatic translation of incoming messages thanks to Apple Intelligence. An AI-powered polling feature could also be added, allowing users to vote in group conversations with auto-generated suggestions.
Notable absences and a focus on design
Despite expectations, the major Siri improvements promised in 2024, such as better contextual understanding and cross-app actions, would not be delivered. Apple confirmed in March that these features are delayed. While AI-related announcements are planned, the main focus of this update appears to be the visual redesign, with incremental improvements for Apple Intelligence.
Implications for users and the industry
This update could redefine the user experience on iPhone, aligning Apple’s ecosystem more closely with a coherent and modern aesthetic. However, the delay of advanced Siri features could disappoint those expecting a revolution in Apple’s AI, especially against competitors like Google or OpenAI. The focus on gaming and health shows Apple’s willingness to diversify its services, but the transition to a visionOS-inspired design may not appeal to everyone, as some users may prefer iOS’s current simplicity.
WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a key moment for Apple, which seeks to maintain its edge in an ever-evolving tech market. The event, which will begin on June 9 at 10 a.m. (Pacific time), will be closely watched by fans and analysts.