While Apple unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on Monday, there were many rumors that surfaced ahead of the event, including the new name for the operating system, a dedicated gaming app, and a virtual health coach.
Here is a summary of the most noteworthy features that were believed to be coming to iOS 26 and ended up being implemented. Additionally, do not forget to watch our live coverage of the keynote here.
New name
Instead of using version numbers, Apple changed the names of its operating systems to reflect the year of release. In the same way that car model years are titled, iOS 19 will now be called iOS 26. Other software releases including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will also be renamed.
Major design overhaul
Known as the biggest design shift since iOS 7, the operating system boasts a comprehensive visual makeover modeled after Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which the firm calls Liquid Glass. This features round app icons and translucent navigation panels. To create a more unified experience, the visionOS-inspired design will be implemented throughout Apple’s whole ecosystem, including CarPlay.
Additionally, the three apps that changed the most were Safari, Camera, and Phone. For example, a new feature in the Phone app lets users combine their voicemails, recent calls, and preferred contacts into one screen. More cosmetic changes, like a transparent address bar for Apple’s browser app, have been added to both the Camera app and Safari.
Dedicated gaming appAdditionally, Apple released a new gaming software that combines the software Store’s game selection with Apple Arcade, delivering a central location for leaderboards, achievements, and App Store content. According to DigitalTrends, this follows the company’s acquisition of RAC7, its first gaming studio.
Virtual health coach
Additionally, Apple unveiled Workout Buddy, an AI tool that functions as a personal trainer. The new chatbot uses information from the Health app, including pace and total miles covered, to encourage users to work out in real time.
AI translation for Messages
A translation feature powered by Apple Intelligence will be added to the Messages app, enabling it to translate messages instantly as soon as they arrive in users’ inboxes. Additionally, a new polling tool that allows group chat users to vote and provides AI-generated poll recommendations is powered by Apple Intelligence. Both features were reported by 9to5Mac.
In keeping with Instagram and WhatsApp, Messages also introduced the option to pick a background image.
Preview app
Apple is enabling iPad users to annotate and modify PDFs by bringing its Preview program from macOS to the iPad. Bloomberg reported this.
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