Apple will likely showcase iOS 19 (or will it be called iOS 26?), the next version of its iPhone operating system, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) on June 9.
As well as giving us our first official look at iOS 19 / iOS 26, we expect Apple to also introduce us to iPadOS 19, watchOS 12, and macOS 16, plus a healthy amount of talk about Apple Intelligence.
This update could prove significant for iPhone owners if the current rumors are true. Here’s what we know know so far, including a report which suggests iOS 19 might actually be called iOS 26.
Latest iOS 19 / iOS 26 news
- June 8: Gurman says Apple will introduce “new interface elements…called Liquid Glass, and they have the sheen and see-through visuals of a glassy surface”
- June 6: Apple tipster Mark Gurman reveals comprehensive list of what he expects Apple to announce at WWDC
Will iOS 19 actually be called iOS 26?
According to prominent Apple tipster Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a major shake-up to the nomenclature of its operating systems.
Gurman reports that Apple will bring all of its operating systems in line with the same numeric handle, relating not to the version number of the software, but the year.
Much like the auto industry and major sporting game franchises, such as Madden and EA Sports FC, Apple will opt for the upcoming full year rather than the year the software is announced.
The result? We could be introduced to iOS 26, rather than iOS 19.
When will iOS 19 / iOS 26 be revealed?
Apple has announced that this year’s WWDC will kick off with a keynote address on Monday, June 9, starting at 10 am PDT / 1pm EDT.
You can follow our WWDC 2025 live blog for all the latest on the from the keynote presentation, and if you want to keep a closer eye on proceedings, here’s how to watch the WWDC 2025 keynote.
In previous years, we’ve seen Apple officially unveil the latest generation of iOS during the WWDC keynote – and we expect the Cupertino, California-based firm to continue this trend for iOS 19.
If accurate, it would mean iOS 19 / iOS 26 will be revealed on June 9, 2025 – although you may have to wait until September before it’s officially available to download on your iPhone.
When will iOS 19 / iOS 26 be available?
Last year, iOS 18 was announced at WWDC in June, but didn’t land on iPhones until September 16, 2024.
The first public version of iOS 19 / iOS 26 is expected to be released around the same time as Apple launches its iPhone 17 series in September. Prior to this, beta versions will likely be available for testing following the preview at WWDC.
iOS 19 / iOS 26: expected features
According to Bloomberg reports, iOS 19 / iOS 26 will bring “one of the most dramatic software overhauls” in Apple’s history, described as “the biggest revamp since iOS 7” in 2013.
The update will apparently “fundamentally change” the operating system’s look with a redesigned interface that will update “the style of icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.”
The new design is expected to include more translucent menus and elements similar to those found in visionOS, the software platform for Apple Vision Pro. This design shift seeks to create a more immersive and visually appealing user experience. For example, one leaked screenshot shows a redesigned Camera app that features translucent menus, giving the app a modern look and making it easier to navigate.
Apparently the Phone, Safari and Camera apps are going to see a major revamp, but Apple’s other core iOS apps are only going to get cosmetic updates.
Apple’s also being tipped to bring new pre-installed apps to the new version of iOS, with Previews (a PDF reader and editor) and Games (a hub for games and Arcade) rumored to be announced during the WWDC 2025 keynote.
There has been speculation that Apple would switch the app icons on iOS from squares to circles, to match watchOS and visionOS, but Gurman doesn’t expect this to happen in iOS 19 / iOS 26.
Additionally, the overall feel of the app may be smoother, with animations that enhance the translucency, creating a seamless and cohesive interaction. This approach aligns with Apple’s previous innovations and reinforces its commitment to enhancing user engagement with its devices.
iOS 19 / iOS 26 is also anticipated to build on the Apple Intelligence features introduced in iOS 18, with significant enhancements aimed at creating a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. One of the standout upgrades will be a “more conversational Siri,” bolstered by advancements in large language models.
This will empower Siri to better understand and execute complex commands, making interactions feel more natural and fluid.
In terms of functionality, this revamped Siri will have enhanced personal context awareness, allowing it to tailor responses based on user habits and preferences. For example, it could proactively suggest reminders or respond to queries about your schedule or location with more relevant information.
Onscreen awareness will also be improved, enabling Siri to better interact with what’s displayed on your device, responding contextually to apps or content currently in use.
Additionally, Siri’s integration with third-party applications is expected to become much smoother. This means users might be able to use Siri to navigate apps or retrieve information in a way that feels seamless and integrated, enhancing overall productivity.
Apple may showcase this version of Siri during the iOS 19 / iOS 26 announcement. However, the rollout of these features may not occur until spring 2026. Recall that Apple has already delayed many of these same Siri features, which were supposed to launch with iOS 18.x.
Meanwhile, iOS 19 / iOS 26 is anticipated to offer enhanced support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), incorporating features from the latest RCS versions. This could include custom emoji reactions, editing and deleting messages, better spam handling, and end-to-end encrypted RCS messages.
Although not specifically mentioned in recent leaks, iOS 19 / iOS 26 is likely to include significant improvements to the Home app, HomeKit, and related services. Apple is expected to introduce a new range of smart home products throughout 2025 and 2026.
Besides the redesign, Apple is expected to bring features that improve our interaction with the iPhone, such as a new battery management suite to conserve power based on usage patterns. Apple is expected to use AI to make the iPhones’ battery last longer, but this may only be available for devices that support Apple Intelligence.
The optimizations may also be beneficial for Apple’s upcoming slim phone, the iPhone 17 Air, which may have a smaller battery than most regularly sized devices.
Additionally, iOS 19 / iOS 26 is suggested to bring seamless sign-in for public Wi-Fi networks where you will only have to sign in on any one of your Apple devices while others will automatically get access.
Apple has also confirmed a slew of accessibility features, including better magnification, support for braille input devices, and voiceover features will be available across a range of iPhone models with iOS 19 / iOS 26.
Which devices will support iOS 19 / iOS 26?
Back in December 2024, it was reported that all devices capable of running iOS 18 would also support iOS 19 / iOS 26. However, more recent rumors suggest that Apple may be dropping support for some of the older models, including the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, and XS Max, which were released back in 2018.
iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone SE models from 2020 and 2022, should receive the iOS 19 / iOS 26 update.
As with previous iOS updates, certain older models may not be able to utilize all the new features in iOS 19 / iOS 26, as some features will require specific chipsets to function. Apple has already clarified that Apple’s Intelligence tools will only be available on the upcoming iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16 series, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
