Apple is expected to unveil the next major version of the iPhone operating system during the WWDC keynote on Monday (June 9), and it looks like there may be more than just new features in store—there’s even talk that Apple might skip several version numbers and go straight from iOS 17 (or 18/19, depending on interpretation) to iOS 26.
While Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, speculation is swirling in the tech world about what’s coming. Much of it stems from credible leaks and industry insiders suggesting that this release could mark a major shift, not just in features, but in how the platform is positioned, possibly in response to growing trends in AI integration, user customization, and enhanced productivity tools.
As we await the official reveal, all eyes are on Apple to see how it plans to evolve iOS in this next big leap.
iOS 19 or iOS 16? What to expect from the update
Different Name
One of the most surprising changes Apple may announce at WWDC is a complete overhaul of how it names its operating systems. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is considering aligning all its OS version numbers with the calendar year, meaning that instead of releasing iOS 19, the next iPhone update would be called iOS 26.
This shift wouldn’t stop with the iPhone. Apple is reportedly planning to apply the same naming system across its entire ecosystem: iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS would all move to version 26, creating a unified naming convention for 2026.
The reasoning behind this?
Apple’s platforms have launched at different times and progressed through version numbers at different rates. As a result, some systems are at version 10 while others are at version 17 or higher. By standardizing the version numbers, Apple could create consistency across its software lineup, making it easier for users, developers, and marketers to talk about the platforms as a cohesive suite.
Visual Changes
The upcoming version of iOS is rumored to bring one of the most significant visual overhauls since the introduction of iOS 7 back in 2013. Leaks and insider reports suggest that Apple is preparing to roll out a fresh design language internally referred to as “Solarium.”
This new look is expected to emphasize translucent layers, vibrant color gradients, and a design style that draws heavy inspiration from the VisionOS interface—Apple’s system for the Vision Pro headset. The goal seems to be a more immersive, modern visual experience that feels dynamic and responsive, while still clean and intuitive.
Clues about this shift can already be seen in Apple’s promotional material. For instance, this year’s WWDC logo features bright colors and see-through elements, which many believe is a subtle hint at the direction iOS is headed.
Battery Management
Last year, Apple Intelligence didn’t quite meet the high expectations many users had, especially with the lack of a truly conversational and smart version of Siri, a feature that’s still expected, but likely won’t debut just yet.
However, this year’s update might bring more focused improvements. One key addition being discussed is the use of machine learning to better understand how each user interacts with their device, then adjusting battery usage accordingly.
For example, the system could learn which apps you use most at certain times of day and automatically reduce background activity or energy usage from less important apps—all without requiring any action from you. This smart battery management could lead to noticeably better performance and longer battery life in day-to-day use.
Improvements in the Shortcuts APP
The Shortcuts app is expected to see meaningful upgrades thanks to Apple’s ongoing work on Apple Intelligence. According to speculation, the app may gain new capabilities that let users build smart daily routines powered by contextual awareness and automation.
This could include features like:
- Automatically generating custom shortcuts based on your daily habits.
- Creating routines that adjust depending on time, location, or app usage—all without needing to manually program each step.
- Integrating more deeply with system apps (like Mail, Messages, or Calendar) to automate tasks like sending reminders, muting notifications, or adjusting settings throughout the day.
Automatic Message Translation
The Messages app on iOS is expected to receive several notable enhancements, thanks in part to Apple Intelligence:
- Automatic Message Translation: Messages may soon be able to translate incoming texts in real time, making conversations across different languages much smoother. This feature would be especially useful for international users and group chats with multilingual participants.
- Poll Creation: Another highly requested addition is the ability to create polls directly within chats, similar to what’s available on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This would allow users to quickly gather opinions or make decisions in group conversations without needing a third-party app.
Integration with Gemini
iOS is expected to expand its AI capabilities by integrating with Google’s Gemini, the advanced assistant developed by Google. This would mark a major shift, as Apple continues to open its ecosystem to third-party AI services beyond its own Apple Intelligence.
Apple has already confirmed a partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence, and now it seems the company is planning to offer more user choice by supporting multiple AI platforms, including Gemini.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai hinted back in April that this integration could be ready by the end of 2025, which lines up with the release window of the next major iOS version. If this happens, users might be able to choose between ChatGPT, Gemini, or possibly other AI tools to power their on-device assistance, making iOS a more flexible and personalized environment for smart features.
Which iPhones will update to the new iOS?
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the list of devices that will support the next iOS version—possibly named iOS 26—rumors and recent trends suggest that models launched in 2018 or earlier may lose compatibility. That means the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max could be excluded from the update.
Importantly, even among compatible devices, not all will support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s expanding suite of AI features. These will likely require the latest hardware with higher processing power and memory.
Based on current information, the following iPhones are expected to receive the update:
Expected to support iOS 26
- iPhone 16 lineup (when launched):
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE
- 2nd generation (2020)
- 3rd generation (2022)
Possibly Losing Support
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS / XS Max
- Any devices older than 2018
Keep in mind: iOS compatibility doesn’t guarantee full feature access. Older models might get security updates and basic improvements, but advanced features like Apple Intelligence will likely be exclusive to newer, more powerful models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro.
More clarity is expected during Apple’s WWDC keynote, scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2025.
When will iOS be released?
Apple is expected to unveil more details about the next iOS version—possibly called iOS 26—during the WWDC keynote on June 9. While the company hasn’t confirmed a full release timeline, we can make fairly accurate predictions based on Apple’s typical rollout strategy in past years.
What to Expect – Key Dates for iOS 26
- June 10, 2025 (Post-WWDC): The first developer beta of iOS 26 is likely to be released immediately after the keynote, giving developers access to the new features for testing and feedback.
- July 2025: A public beta version may be made available to non-developers enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program.
- September 2025: The official public release of iOS 26 is expected to happen around the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup, continuing Apple’s tradition of tying the iOS release to new hardware.
This yearly pattern allows Apple to fine-tune the software over the summer and ensure a polished experience for iPhone users worldwide by the fall. Keep an eye on WWDC for the official announcement and the full breakdown of features.
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