Apple Prepares Major Redesign and New Features for iOS 19 (Possibly Renamed iOS 26)

Apple is set to unveil its next major mobile operating system at WWDC 2025, with significant rumors suggesting this could be the biggest update since iOS 7. One of the most notable changes may be a new naming convention, shifting from version numbers to release years, meaning iOS 19 could be rebranded as iOS 26. This change would apply across the entire Apple ecosystem, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The update is expected to introduce a dramatic visual overhaul inspired by the Vision Pro headset, featuring translucent panels, circular app icons, and a more cohesive design across devices, including CarPlay. Core apps like Phone, Camera, and Safari are rumored to receive major updates, such as a unified view in the Phone app and a transparent address bar in Safari. Apple may also debut a dedicated gaming app that combines Apple Arcade and App Store games, following the acquisition of game studio RAC7. Health features are set to expand with an AI-powered virtual health coach and new food-tracking capabilities. Battery management could become smarter with AI-driven optimizations and new charging indicators, while reverse wireless charging may be tested on upcoming iPhone models. The Messages app is expected to gain AI translation, polling features, and customizable backgrounds. Other anticipated additions include a Preview app for PDF annotation and editing, and enhancements to Genmoji, allowing users to combine emojis. Notably, major Siri upgrades announced in 2024 have reportedly been delayed, with the main focus of this update being on design and incremental AI improvements.