iPhone’s subsequent large replace to be unveiled subsequent week: What to anticipate

iOS 26 – Not iOS 19

Opposite to expectations, Apple is skipping iOS 19 and leaping straight to iOS 26 to align naming conventions throughout its platforms, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, all of which is able to now share model 26. The choice displays a automobile industry-style method the place future mannequin numbers debut earlier than their precise calendar yr.

Supported Gadgets: A Blended Bag

Whereas iPhoneSoft claimed iOS 26 will assist all fashions at the moment operating iOS 18, ranging from the iPhone XR onwards, more moderen leaks trace on the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max being dropped. This stays unconfirmed, and Apple is anticipated to make clear the compatibility checklist throughout WWDC.

Visible Overhaul Impressed by visionOS

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman describes iOS 26 because the “greatest revamp since iOS 7.” The replace will reportedly embody redesigned icons, menus, buttons, and interface parts, loosely impressed by visionOS. Notable UI adjustments could embody floating navigation bars, new font remedies, and simplified management layouts.

Digicam App Will get a Makeover

One of many standout redesigns would be the Digicam app. Impressed by visionOS, it can function transparency results, streamlined toggles for picture and video modes, and improved entry to settings like flash and body charge.

Siri Consolidation, however No Conversational AI But

Siri will obtain a backend overhaul in iOS 26, unifying its legacy and superior methods for quicker and extra dependable efficiency. Nevertheless, Apple’s extra bold plan to launch a completely conversational Siri will reportedly be delayed past WWDC.

AI-Pushed Battery Instruments

Apple will deploy its Apple Intelligence platform to analyse person habits and prolong battery life. This may increasingly embody power-saving recommendations, dynamic app throttling, and estimated cost occasions on the lock display.

Upgrades to Messages and CarPlay

New inline translation and ballot options are anticipated within the Messages app. AI recommendations for group choices may be a part of the rollout. In the meantime, CarPlay is tipped to get a visible refresh in keeping with iOS 26’s up to date aesthetic.

Public Wi-Fi and Productiveness Enhancements

A brand new Wi-Fi sharing instrument will permit customers to finish captive portal logins on one machine and sync credentials throughout all Apple gadgets through iCloud. Different rumored additions embody Markdown exports in Notes, a bi-directional keyboard for Arabic-English customers, and a brand new Apple Pencil calligraphy brush.

A Staggered Rollout

Regardless of its breadth, a number of marquee options in iOS 26 are prone to be delayed because of ongoing work on iOS 18’s unfinished roadmap. Many additions will arrive regularly throughout level updates like iOS 26.1 and 26.2 into spring 2026.