Apple is gearing up to host its annual developer meet, WWDC, next week. During the conference, the Cupertino-based tech giant will most likely announce the successor to iOS 18. However, it is not going to be iOS 19. Rumour mills suggest that Apple can skip iOS 19 and jump straight up to iOS 26. We will have to wait for Apple to confirm that but one thing we can say for sure is that this time too, a major focus will remain on AI. Here are some new changes that can come with iOS 26. Let’s talk about that.
1. AI-Powered Battery Management
iOS 26 will be able to analyse users’ daily usage patterns and help optimise battery. It will do so by reducing unnecessary background activity and adjusting power draw intelligently. So, you get longer screen time without micromanaging settings or performance.
2. Live Conversation Translation with AirPods
Okay, this one’s interesting. AirPods might be able to translate calls in real-time with the help of your iPhone. It will work by listening to speech in another language, translating it, and playing it back in your ear. If this is true, it is expected to be Apple’s most powerful translation experience to date.
3. Apple Intelligence 2.0
Last year, Apple had promised us that its voice assistant Siri would get a big AI upgrade, but that didn’t really happen. But hopefully we’ll get to see that with iOS 26. So you can expect Siri to be smarter, faster, and more context-aware. Expect deeper AI integration across apps like Photos, Safari, and Notes. Plus, features like Genmoji and Image Playground are expanding across the OS.
4. Smarter Messaging: Auto-Translation + Polls
Some changes are also expected in the Messages app. With iOS 26, it might be able to translate incoming and outgoing texts automatically. Furthermore, you’ll also be able to create in-chat polls. Poll suggestions may even be auto-generated from chat context.
5. Animated Album Art on Lock Screen
With the iOS 26 update, we can get to see Apple Music’s animated album covers on the Lock Screen in full-screen glory. Now Playing can dynamically tint and animate the interface while music is playing.
6. Games App
We might get to see a new Games App with iOS 26. It is expected to house all the games from one place, so you won’t have to look for the App Store when trying to look out for games. This will take over the previous Game Centre and allow for more cool things like communicating with fellow gamers.
7. CarPlay Redesign
With iOS 26, CarPlay is also expected to get a redesign. We can expect cleaner layouts, more intuitive controls, and refreshed UI elements. Even regular CarPlay users (not just “Ultra”) will benefit from this update.
8. Desktop Mode for iPhone
Rumours also suggest that Apple might bring a desktop-like mode for iPhones with USB-C, similar to iPad Stage Manager. You will be able to connect your iPhone to an external display and multitask.
9. Markdown Export in Apple Notes
Finally, with iOS 26, you may be able to export Apple Notes in Markdown format.
Markdown export has existed in third-party apps for years. But the option will make it a lot easier to share the Notes directly.
10. Revamped & New Apple Apps
- Apple is working on a dedicated Games app to replace and expand Game Center.
- The Health app will add food logging, educational videos, and AI-based coaching.
- Messages will get RCS upgrades with better encryption and media sharing.
- Expect even more small but meaningful app updates across iOS 26.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is a young tech journalist who tells it like it is, cutting through buzzwords to deliver straightforward smartphone reviews. He’s the office go-to for insider tips and quick demos, and his video content doesn’t waste anyone’s time. When he’s off the clock, he geeks out over cars, photography, and hunting down the best spot for Indian food. View Full Profile
