prepare for iOS 26

Apple’s Worldwide Builders Convention for 2025 (WWDC25) is simply across the nook. Whereas this yr is predicted to be a much more low-key occasion, the vast majority of the tech large’s working methods — together with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS — might get a major visible revamp alongside a considerably stunning title change.

For these concerned with watching WWDC 2025’s keynote dwell, you’ll be able to stream it on YouTube or instantly on Apple’s website at 1PM ET/10AM PT on June ninth.

Say good day to iOS 26, ipadOS 26, watchOS 26, and extra

Apple’s working methods are getting a brand new title and a visible overhaul

Rumors courtesy of Bloomberg’s nearly always reliable Mark Gurman level to a considerable overhaul of iOS that pulls inspiration from the glass-like look of visionOS, the working system that powers Apple’s beleaguered combined actuality headset, the Imaginative and prescient Professional. The return of Windows Aero that I have been ready for has lastly arrived, simply not in the way in which that I anticipated.

Together with the brand new clear look, a report from Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser hints that just about rounded icons might be coming to the cell OS’ residence display screen and Management Heart. Different extra delicate modifications are on the way in which, too, together with a brand new tab view in apps, and the Messages search field location shifting.

Whereas not quite a lot of specifics have leaked, it is anticipated that every one of Apple’s working methods, together with iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and extra, will undertake this new look in an effort to unify their design language. Will probably be fascinating to see how shortly third-party builders adapt to this aesthetic shift, as a result of if it is not picked up shortly, it will result in a disjointed visible expertise. Bear in mind when Apple ditched the house button with the iPhone X and never all third-party apps instantly supported the swipe gesture of their UI? iOS 11 was a multitude on the cellphone for the primary few months.

On high of the visible refresh, Apple is rumored to be altering the naming scheme of its working methods. As an alternative of iOS 19, we’ll be getting iOS 26, alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and extra. macOS will probably nonetheless obtain a California-themed title as effectively (rumors level to Tahoe), however my guess is it’ll even be generally known as macOS 26.

Past the brand new look and title refresh, particulars are sparse on potential new options throughout Apple’s working methods. That mentioned, Bloomberg reviews {that a} new AI-powered battery administration mode is coming to iOS 26. This function will reportedly make power-saving changes primarily based on how you utilize your smartphone. So far as AI-powered options go, this has the potential to be fairly helpful if it really works effectively. It additionally appears like Apple might be engaged on a dedicated gaming app to interchange its Sport Heart platform throughout all of its platforms.

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WWDC 2025 could be light on AI as Apple hones in on iOS 26

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The place’s that extra customized Siri we had been promised?

We’re nonetheless ready, Apple

The extra customized Siri Apple promised at WWDC 2024 nonetheless hasn’t arrived, and it has been months for the reason that tech large informed Daring Fireball that “It’ll take us longer than we thought” to launch the upgraded assistant.

Will we hear extra about Apple’s fancy AI-powered Siri at this yr’s WWDC? If The Information’s newest report is correct, in all probability not, because the challenge is reportedly nonetheless nowhere close to prepared. That mentioned, Bloomberg reviews that we’ll see a couple of extra delicate Siri updates, together with the power to make use of Gemini as a substitute of ChatGPT with the assistant. New Apple Intelligence AI options are on the way in which, although, together with mixing two Genmoji (I am unsure why anybody would need to try this) and built-in dwell translation for calls and texts.

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What will not we see at WWDC?

The rumored iPhone 17 Air or Mac Professional

Whereas Apple has revealed {hardware} at WWDC keynotes previously to provide the developer occasion a shopper angle, that in all probability will not be the case this yr.

Which means we cannot catch a glimpse of the often-rumored, super-thin iPhone 17 Air or the refreshed Mac Professional, which is overdue for an replace. It is probably we’ll hear extra in regards to the Mac Professional later this summer season and that the iPhone 17 Air might be a part of Apple’s large fall {hardware} keynote.

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