Apple to unveil iOS 26: Expected to come with AI updates, battery optimizations, and more

Apple to unveil iOS 26: As iOS 26 gets ready to launch at WWDC 2025, followers of the company are excited about what could be the most ambitious release in years. In addition to AI-powered capabilities like energy optimization, real-time AirPods translation, and a possible gaming area, leaked rumors suggest a striking "Liquid Glass" revamp that draws inspiration from visionOS.

Renaming iOS 19 to iOS 26 and switching to year-based changing represents a strategic change meant to streamline branding throughout the Apple ecosystem. Developers and consumers alike are eagerly awaiting Apple's reimagining of the iPhone, iPad, macOS, and watchOS user experience. If the leaks are accurate, iOS 26 may change the way we use our gadgets.

Why is Apple changing its name from iOS 19 to iOS 26?

In order to coincide with 2026, when the software will be extensively utilized, Apple is moving ahead from iOS 18 to iOS 26. This move isn't limited to iOS; watchOS, macOS, and iPadOS will all use comparable naming conventions.

When is iOS 26 coming?

The final version of iOS 26 should be released on September 16, 2025, probably one week following the release of the iPhone 17 series. According to historical patterns, Apple usually releases new iPhone models on the second Tuesday in September, followed soon after by the iOS upgrade.

iOS 26 features

iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and newer | Credit: Macrumors

It is anticipated that iOS 26 will have a comprehensive visual makeover modeled after Apple's vision. Anticipate a revised Control Center with new sliders, a glass-like UI, and icons with rounded corners. Context-aware user interface enhancements may also be made to native apps like Camera.

Updates on Apple AI and Intelligence

Following iOS 18's delays, iOS 26 will concentrate on enhancing already-available Apple Intelligence products like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Writing Tools. The more intelligent version of Siri might not be available for months or even years.

To further enhance AI capabilities on iPhones, Apple is apparently in discussions with Google to include Gemini AI features straight into Siri.

Also Read: How to Watch WWDC 2025 in India, Dubai, and USA?: From iOS 26 to macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple's new upcoming software

Performance and Battery Enhancement

iOS 26 will use AI to tailor battery optimization to each user's unique usage habits. This would be especially helpful for the iPhone 17 Air model with a tiny battery that is anticipated later this year.

iOS 26 Beta program: Timeline & how to join

?iOS 26? is going to get a major design revamp, adopting some visual elements from the visionOS operating system. | Credit: Macrumors

Following the WWDC keynote on June 9, Apple is anticipated to release the first developer beta of iOS 26 right away. By mid-July, public betas will be available.

Anticipated release of the iOS 26 beta:

• Beta 1 for developers: June 10, 2025
• First public beta date: July 15, 2025
• Date of Final Publication: September 16, 2025

To sign up for the beta program:

• Make a backup of your iPhone.
• Navigate to Software Update > General > Settings > Beta Updates.
• Select between the public beta and the developer version.
• Install and download when it's available.

iOS 26 coming to these smartphones

The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR may be discontinued because of aging technology, even if iOS 26 is said to support all smartphones running iOS 18. The 2018 A12 Bionic chip powers these models.

Nevertheless, the following devices are anticipated to support iOS 26: iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16 series, including iPhone 16e, Series iPhone SE (second generation and after), and iPhone 15/14/13/12/11.

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