As Apple gears up for the highly anticipated reveal of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, a variety of rumors have emerged detailing significant changes potentially coming to the tech giant’s mobile operating system. Among the most notable shifts reported is Apple’s intention to rename its entire family of software from numerical versions to labels based on release years, aligning closely with automotive industry practices. Consequently, iOS 19 is expected to appear under the name “iOS 26,” alongside renamed counterparts including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Perhaps the most substantial update rumored concerns the platform’s design philosophy. Industry insiders suggest Apple plans its most extensive visual overhaul since the launch of iOS 7, with inspiration drawn directly from Apple’s Vision Pro headset interface. This redesign reportedly incorporates translucent navigation elements and rounded app icons, seeking to unify the aesthetic across Apple’s ecosystem for a more seamless user experience.
Another significant rumor predicts Apple will launch a dedicated gaming app, combining Apple Arcade’s lineup with App Store gaming content into a centralized hub. This app may provide easy access to achievements, leaderboards, and new gaming releases, a move signaling stronger ambitions in the gaming space, particularly following Apple’s recent acquisition of the indie game studio RAC7.
In an expansion of its health initiatives, Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered virtual health assistant. This health coach would analyze user health data from the company’s Health app and offer tailored recommendations for lifestyle improvement. Alongside this, the Health app itself is rumored to receive enhancements, with new capabilities like tracking carbohydrate and caffeine intake.
Additionally, improvements to battery management through artificial intelligence are anticipated. The rumored feature would analyze device usage to preserve battery health and efficiency, even reportedly offering an estimated charge completion time directly from the lock screen. Complementing this battery enhancement, sources suggest Apple is testing a reverse wireless charging feature exclusively for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, enabling users to recharge accessories such as AirPods or Apple Watches directly from their iPhone.
Not to be overlooked, the Messages app may see its own set of feature enhancements, leveraging Apple’s Intelligence platform. Reportedly, this includes built-in message translation capabilities that translate texts upon receipt and a new polling function assisted by AI-generated suggestions, aimed particularly at group chats.
Despite significant AI-driven upgrades elsewhere, speculation remains notably silent concerning major improvements previously previewed for Apple’s Siri assistant. Prominent among these anticipated advancements was more sophisticated context-awareness, enabling deeper integration and interactions across multiple applications. Apple confirmed earlier that this ambitious enhancement to Siri would be delayed, dampening immediate expectations for significant Siri-related news in this update.
With WWDC fast approaching, more details are expected soon. For now, the focus appears firmly fixed on a comprehensive design refresh, bolstered by continued progress on AI-driven tools intended to enhance the overall experience of Apple’s devices and software ecosystem.
