Apple’s iOS 26 is anticipated to have a radical redesign, and it is most likely going to mark the start of a wholly new numbering system. Here is all the pieces that is rumored to be within the replace.
Whereas the iOS 18 replace targeted largely on Apple Intelligence options, comparable to Picture Playground, electronic mail summarization, and a brand new Clear Up instrument within the Pictures app, its successor is anticipated to take a noticeably totally different strategy.
Fairly than merely being an iterative improve, with just a few new apps and capabilities added to the combo, the following technology of iOS would possibly introduce a significant visible overhaul. A completely new model numbering system seems to be within the works as properly.
Leakers, analysts, and even YouTubers have all chimed in with particular claims in regards to the upcoming iPhone working system over the previous few months. Here is what they’ve claimed up to now.
iOS 26 as an alternative of iOS 19?
In line with a report from Might 2025, Apple needs to make a big change to the way it numbers its working system variations. The aim of the obvious endeavor is to simplify issues and make it simpler for customers to know the way current their at the moment put in working system actually is.
Fairly than having separate model numbers for iOS, macOS, and visionOS, which might be iOS 19, macOS 16, and imaginative and prescient OS 3, respectively, Apple will use only one model quantity for all of its platforms. The iPhone maker plans to implement an strategy just like that utilized by automakers, the place the software program model corresponds to a selected 12 months.
Provided that the brand new iOS replace is anticipated to turn into accessible to most of the people in September 2025, Apple has seemingly determined to call model its working techniques as model “26.” Because of this as an alternative of iOS 19, we would see iOS 26, macOS 26, and so forth. That is successfully what Microsoft did through the Nineties with Home windows 95, Home windows 98, and Home windows 2000.
Although the rumor itself appears far-fetched at first look, AppleInsider was capable of independently verify the existence of Apple’s “26” model branding. Folks accustomed to the matter have revealed the change is already seen inside sure elements of Apple’s next-gen working techniques.
Nevertheless, it seems as if Apple could also be making an attempt to cover the brand new numbering system with placeholder names comparable to iOS 19 and macOS 16, which have appeared alongside the model 26 branding.
This info was obtained by AppleInsider from individuals accustomed to Apple’s next-gen working techniques. We additionally obtained particulars seemingly derived from a development-fused iPhone working an early construct of “iOS 19.”
Design adjustments — iOS 26 could echo visionOS
In February 2024, rumors of a deliberate person interface change for Apple’s working techniques surfaced. On the time, it was anticipated {that a} new design would debut in both 2025 or 2026, however that it will not bear a big resemblance to visionOS.
iOS 26 might function a radically totally different person interface.
The identical 12 months, two separate experiences advised {that a} visionOS-style redesign would arrive with iOS 18. Whereas these claims in the end turned out to be incorrect, on condition that such a design change by no means materialized, a redesign would possibly occur in 2025.
Two experiences from a usually dependable supply, in March 2025, stated that Apple was engaged on a large visible alteration with its next-gen working techniques. The declare was later reiterated in a Might 2025 report, which added that “Solarium” was the venture codename of the UI overhaul.
The important thing level of the transfer is to enchantment to present customers, whereas nonetheless attracting new customers down the street. The design change will not be nearly aesthetics, nonetheless, as rumors counsel the brand new UI is meant to make iOS sooner to navigate, simpler to study, and less complicated total to make use of.
The strategy is claimed to give attention to consistency and unification. This in the end implies that customers could expertise related interfaces, UI parts, and perhaps even options once they use the identical capabilities throughout totally different Apple gadgets and working techniques. We have even seen rumors about particular apps throughout the subsequent technology of iOS.
Sketchy app mockups triggered a stir between leakers
In January 2025, YouTuber Jon Prosser posted a video detailing a few of the adjustments allegedly deliberate for the Digicam app. He claimed he had seen the person interface of iOS 19, because it was largely identified on the time. Prosser’s staff supposedly “recreated” what they noticed because the Digicam software.
iOS 26 could function rounded app icons, in response to an April 2025 leak.
The YouTuber then resurfaced in March 2025, with further claims of UI adjustments throughout the working system. With a extra well-rounded look, the interface was described as extra “fluid,” with condensed settings that reveal themselves as you swipe away.
The mockups primarily advised that straightforward light-reflective circles can be added to buttons, together with an elongated modal window UI, and that there can be delicate stylistic cues or references to Apple’s Sports activities and Invitations apps.
Trying again on the earlier Digicam app leak, there are some similarities, however odd variations to visionOS. The Digicam app screenshot reveals one thing a lot nearer to Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional’s UI, however lacks the sunshine reflections on button edges.
Prosser claims engineers at Apple do not absolutely perceive how he had entry to completed photographs, which serves as a sign of his confidence. There may be loads of room for doubt, nonetheless, because the YouTuber has a less-than-stellar observe file.
The Digicam app could get a brand new look with iOS 26.
Regardless of his preliminary success, being the primary individual to leak the AirTag design, a lot of Jon Prosser’s more moderen claims have outright didn’t materialize. As an illustration, he spoke of a rumored iPhone 4-style redesign for the iPhone 14, an Apple Watch with flat edges, and Steve Jobs version Apple good glasses, none of which ended up turning into a actuality.
As for his iOS 19 mockups, one other leaker dismissed them in March 2025, saying they had been based mostly on outdated on incomplete info. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated the photographs weren’t consultant of actuality. He added that they had been seemingly “based mostly on both very outdated builds or obscure descriptions, lacking key options.”
Prosser then shared one other video in April 2025, which featured noticeably totally different House Display screen app icons. The YouTuber confirmed a more-rounded squircle that is nonetheless not fairly a circle. The video suggests apps with tabs will get extra animations, and floating bars dubbed TabView. These mimic floating UI parts already current in iOS, however have vigorous animations just like the Dynamic Island.
The April 2025 video additionally confirmed off a brand new search UI in iMessage that wasn’t featured within the authentic iOS 19 Digicam leak. It’s merely a floating pill-shaped button that sits on the backside of the app. The supposed leak could have proven attainable new icon shapes, however it actually wasn’t a lot along with what was proven earlier than. It seemingly means Prosser will proceed to push again in opposition to Gurman and try to search out one thing extra important to share.
Mockups are all the craze nowadays, as we additionally obtained a very doubtful tip in January 2025 that stated the Clock app would obtain UI adjustments. We’ll have to attend and see what Apple unveils throughout WWDC in any case.
iOS 26 — Supported machine rumors
With every replace to an working system, more often than not, some gadgets get left behind and might’t improve. This might be as a consequence of technical limitations or just the dearth of assist for growing older {hardware}.
The 2018 iPhone XS could not assist iOS 26.
With regards to iOS 26, beforehand known as iOS 19, a rumor claimed in December 2024 that assist will proceed to be extraordinarily broad for the working system.
The complete record of alleged suitable iPhone fashions is:
iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Professional, 17 Professional Max (2025)
iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional, 16 Professional Max (2024)
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Professional, 15 Professional Max (2023)
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Professional, 14 Professional Max, iPhone SE (third gen) (2022)
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Professional, 13 Professional Max (2021)
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Professional, 12 Professional Max, iPhone SE (2nd gen) (2020)
iPhone 11, 11 Professional, 11 Professional Max (2019)
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR (2018)*
This record seemingly signifies that iOS 19 will likely be accessible on all gadgets that ran iOS 18. Nevertheless, the venue that printed the compatibility record is not all the time correct, and an April 2025 rumor advised that Apple would discontinue assist for the iPhone XS and iPhone XR.
The more moderen declare comes from a personal social media account with a verifiable observe file, so there is a greater probability Apple will reduce off assist for its 2018 iPhones.
iPadOS 26, or iPadOS 19, because it was previously referred to as, will reportedly assist the next iPad fashions, in response to each the December 2024 and April 2025 rumors:
An April 2025 rumor, from a leaker with a poor observe file advised that the following technology of iPadOS could introduce a menu bar just like the one present in macOS. Whereas this specific concept is far-fetched, loads of different claims have appeared in regards to the options and apps we would see in iOS 26.
New Apple Video games app, AI battery administration, AirPods dwell translation, and extra
In line with a Might 2025 report, Apple will introduce a devoted game-related app throughout WWDC 2025. Supposedly, Apple needs to promote avid gamers and builders on the concept that it’s a chief out there with a brand new app. This declare aligns with the same rumor from October 2024.
Apple is reportedly engaged on a brand new devoted sport app.
The brand new Apple Video games app will reportedly act as a mesh between Apple’s disparate gaming techniques. It’s rumored to indicate editorial content material about video games, the App Retailer video games web page, Apple Arcade, leaderboards, and extra. Mac customers can also get an app which might tie to video games downloaded outdoors of the App Retailer. This specific rumor seemingly applies to the sport launching side of the app.
In line with a separate Might 2025 rumor, Apple is getting ready to introduce a brand new Apple Intelligence function with iOS 26. It is stated to be an replace to the battery administration system of iOS, which might work based mostly on utilization habits.
The proposed system will allegedly monitor the best way that the person truly makes use of the iPhone, and use that as a foundation for energy administration selections. This will embody making setting or configuration adjustments to preserve vitality at sure occasions.
Siri can also be anticipated to obtain a chatbot-type Apple Intelligence improve, in response to a November 2024 report. By Siri chatbot, the report stated it will be a big language mannequin (LLM)-based Siri, which might have the ability to deal with extra conversational options. Apple nonetheless has but to ship Siri’s private context options, which had been promised at WWDC 2024, after which delayed.
iOS 26 could use AI for battery-related enhancements.
The corporate’s iconic AirPods, in the meantime, are rumored to obtain a wholly new function that interprets in-person conversations from one language to a different. The rumored dwell translation functionality will make it considerably simpler for audio system of two totally different languages to speak. In line with a March 2025 report, it is anticipated to debut with iOS 26.
In Might 2025, a rumor advised that there can be two adjustments associated to the Apple Pencil, applied to assist customers within the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to write down in Arabic. The primary is the introduction of a sophisticated bi-directional keyboard, designed to modify between the right-to-left Arabic and the left-to-right English languages.
The second change entails a brand new digital reed calligraphy pen for Apple Pencil customers. It’s possible that Apple’s take will supply a writing expertise nearer to how a Kamish reed pen is dealt with and used, versus any present calligraphy pen already utilized in apps. These are all solely rumored adjustments, although. Formally, Apple has unveiled only some tidbits about its next-gen working techniques forward of WWDC.
New Accessibility options, outdated Apple House structure getting discontinued
On Might 13, Forward of World Accessibility Consciousness Day 2025, Apple unveiled a slew of latest options coming to iOS. Although they’re technically new software program options, the enhancements themselves are meant for individuals with disabilities.
Whereas Apple has introduced new Accessibility options for iOS 26, the software program is not going to assist the older Apple House structure.
The brand new options embody:
Accessibility Diet Labels on the App Retailer
Magnifier for Mac
Braille Entry
Accessibility Reader
Reside captions on Apple Watch
Reside Recognition in Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional
Apple says that it’s also updating:
Eye Monitoring on iPhone and iPad
Head Monitoring to regulate gadgets with head actions
Change Management for Mind Laptop Interfaces
Assistive Entry for the Apple TV app
Customizable Music Haptics on iPhone
Sound Recognition positive aspects Identify Recognition
Voice Management for Xcode
New languages in Reside Captions
Giant Textual content in CarPlay
Alongside all of those new and up to date options, Apple says it’s including an possibility referred to as Share Accessibility Settings. It is meant in order that customers can shortly share their settings when borrowing another person’s machine.
On Might 12, a day earlier than the corporate revealed its new software program options, Apple additionally defined that it will be discontinuing assist for the outdated Apple House structure in 2025, which strains up with the discharge of iOS 26.
Potential launch date
The discharge of the most recent variations of its working techniques tends to occur within the fall, because it has been for years. That is to coincide with the newest {hardware} releases at the moment, which this 12 months contains the iPhone 17 vary.
Nevertheless, that will not be the primary time anybody will concentrate on iOS 26 itself. Apple introduces its working techniques months prematurely of launch in order that builders can reap the benefits of perform adjustments and different alterations. This additionally lets builders and testers see if any of the adjustments they hoped for truly made into the OS.
Developer betas usually get examined repeatedly with common builds up till the eventual public launch. Apple often introduces the autumn working system releases throughout WWDC, and we are going to get our first glimpse of iOS 26 (or iOS 19) on June 9.
