This year, Apple is preparing to disclose iOS 26 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), bringing a major transformation to the operating system. For this update, Windows is now referred to by its year, such as Windows 11, and it includes numerous new features and improvements.

Apple to launch iOS 26 on 9th June at WWDC 2025, and here are some updates regarding the operating system. Let’s start the article.

Apple May Release iOS 26 With New Way of Naming

To improve the consistency of software across all its devices, Apple is transitioning to sequential releases with names corresponding to their year. As a result, the version that was labeled iOS 19 will now be iOS 26 because we are in 2026. This update is meant to make version alignment easier on these platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and VisionOS.

iOS 26 is the inspiration of VisionOS

Exploring the Features of the “Solarium” Interface

This update brings the biggest redesign to iOS since iOS 7, which was named Solarium. By following VisionOS’s example, the new design is designed to be clear, fast, and easily recognizable from one device to another.

Users are likely to come across new icons, exciting moving interface pieces, floating navigation maps, and better haptic experiences.

Better App Designs

The apps pre-loaded on Apple devices, for example, Camera and Messages, are adopting fresh layouts that are more attractive and give more room for users. Changes having been made to the UI, new swiping actions will be seen, and the transitions will look smoother in the Camera app.

Integration of Apple Intelligence

AI Features at Work

This version of iOS adds more Apple Intelligence to the things users do. Special features introduced in this update are:

• AI assistance analyzes your phone’s battery, reduces power usage, tells you when it needs charging, and provides an estimate of charging times on the lock screen.

• Generative AI allows the messaging system to automatically translate messages being sent and received without the user needing to do anything.

• While you won’t find a major Siri update in the first Apple event, steady enhancements are planned to optimize Siri and make it function better.

iOS 26 New and Better Functions

Teams talk and exchange messages

• Users are able to create polls within group chats to collect views easily.

• With RCS, messages sent via iOS and Android will now be compatible.

Making work easier for everyone

• With Markdown, applying formatting in the Notes app is easier.

• Apple makes sure App Store pages display accessibility labels that people with particular requirements can see and use.

Entertainment and Media

• Having Animated Album Art in Apple Music allows you to listen to music with beautiful moving visuals on your phone’s lock screen.

• Improved CarPlay Display: Equips the updated interface for consistency in the car interface.

iOS 26 Device Compatibility

iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.

• The devices in the iPhone 16 series
• All devices from the iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhones from the 13 series
• The iPhone 12 series includes three models (the iPhone 12, 12 mini and 12 Pro).
• Series of iPhone 11 phones
• The iPhone SE came out in two generations.
• Still, iPhone XS, XS Max and XR users might no longer be able to use iOS 16 once it is released.

Conclusion

In iOS 26, Apple has made the operating system more attractive and intelligent, focusing on improving the user experience. While developers eagerly wait for updates at WWDC 2025, users will be glad to use a more straightforward, simpler, and appealing iOS.