We’re only a week away from Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, where major updates to the iPhone’s iOS software are expected.
At present, there are more speculations than confirmed information regarding the iOS updates, yet these speculations appear to have validity. Recently, it was disclosed that Apple intends to transition from iOS 18.5 to iOS 26, adopting a new naming system based on the year for iOS (along with macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS), as initially noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, well-regarded for his accurate Apple insights.
What should we anticipate from iOS 26 and WWDC 2025? Apple is promoting the June 9 event with the tagline “Sleek peek,” but has been otherwise tight-lipped. Let’s investigate what is known so far.
When is WWDC 2025?
This year’s WWDC is scheduled for June 9 to 13, with the keynote presentation on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT. Apple refers to it as “A week of technology and creativity.” The event will be live-streamed, and Mashable will provide coverage of the keynote as it happens.
The iOS 26 name transition
What was anticipated to be iOS 19 may instead be titled iOS 26. Gurman, a prominent source for Apple news, indicated that Apple intends to rebrand its software at WWDC, aligning the names with the year. This implies all software featured at this year’s WWDC will be referred to as iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Consequently, WWDC will presumably unveil a new iOS, but it might not be designated as expected.
An iOS design redesign
Speculations indicate that Apple’s forthcoming iOS will showcase a brand-new design. Bloomberg’s Gurman indicated in March that WWDC will present “one of the most significant software redesigns in the company’s history,” featuring modifications to icons, menus, system buttons, and app functionalities. The new design is rumored to draw inspiration from the Apple Vision Pro, striving for a unified appearance across Apple devices.
A desktop mode for iPhone
There is conjecture that iOS 26 may introduce a desktop mode for iPhone users. Tech leaker Majin Bu has suggested that Apple is creating a feature permitting USB-C iPhones to link with an external display, akin to Apple’s Stage Manager, thereby enlarging the screen area for iPhone users. However, this remains speculative, and certainty is not guaranteed.
Improved battery longevity
Forbes indicates that the new iOS is anticipated to feature an AI-driven battery management system aimed at prolonging battery life between charges, which would serve users who often need to recharge.
Live translation for AirPods
Gurman reported in March that Apple seeks to introduce a live-translation capability with the new iOS. This function would enable your phone to listen and provide translations directly in your AirPods, similar to having an in-ear translator, comparable to systems utilized by products such as Google’s Pixel Buds or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds.
Apple Intelligence
According to reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, Apple is falling behind in the AI arena. Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI tool for iPhones and other devices, trails competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini, and a long-awaited AI update for Siri has not yet materialized. While there were expectations for Apple to unveil an upgraded Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025, rumors suggest the company’s AI capabilities are not yet ready for a significant launch.
While we expect Apple will introduce some new Apple Intelligence features and AI tools for iOS 26, we do not foresee anything as revolutionary as what was observed at Google I/O 2025.
Ultimately, we will not know precisely what WWDC will present until Apple reveals its plans next Monday. Nevertheless, it is probable that substantial changes are forthcoming.