Never did I expect to discuss iOS 26 before 2032, yet here we are! During WWDC 2025, Apple is anticipated to unveil its latest iPhone update, featuring new capabilities and a revamped naming convention.
While we won’t have definitive answers until Apple makes its official statement, there are indications that some of the leaks and buzz around the update may hold true. I have been monitoring these leaks and gleaning insights, forming a decent idea of what iOS 26 might entail. Not all speculated features excite—looking at you, Apple Intelligence—but several have me genuinely eager. Below are six features I hope will be included in iOS 26.
RCS End-to-End Encryption
My favorite innovation from the iOS 18 era was perhaps RCS support. For the first time since the launch of iMessage in 2011, iPhones and Androids could natively text each other without needing to rely on SMS. Although the message bubbles remain green, at least group chats are still functional.
Nonetheless, one significant RCS benefit has been absent since its introduction on iOS: encryption. Even though RCS allows for high-quality photo and video sharing, messages transmitted using this protocol lack the security they need and resemble SMS in this aspect. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that only the devices in the conversation can decrypt and read the exchanged messages. Even Apple cannot access these E2EE messages. It’s unfortunate, especially since RCS does have encryption capabilities (although there are still quirks for Android users).
Fortunately, we know that E2EE is en route for RCS on iPhones—we just don’t have a set timeline. Apple confirmed this in March, stating that RCS encryption is on track for “future software updates,” potentially covering iOS 26, iOS 26.1, or other releases. Personally, the sooner, the better!
Live Translation for AirPods
Imagine engaging in a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. As they express themselves, you listen to their words translated in real-time in your ear. This may sound futuristic, but it’s a current reality—and it might soon feature in AirPods.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, certain models of AirPods are expected to receive this “live translation” functionality. While Apple seems keen on keeping it under wraps, Gurman notes that AirPods will translate your conversation partner’s words directly in your ears, while your iPhone will handle the translation of your words for them.
Interestingly, this feature isn’t a novel concept: Google’s Pixel Buds have provided live translation for years through the Conversation mode in their Translate app, functioning similarly to the way Gurman describes Apple’s vision. I truly hope this feature is part of iOS 26.
A Visual Refresh for iOS
For those familiar with iOS 26, you might know that Apple is contemplating a significant visual update for the iPhone. If the rumors are legitimate, the redesign will extend beyond only mobile devices: Apple is purportedly working on a new design language across all its platforms, aiming for consistency between iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
The main inspiration for this UI transformation appears to stem from Apple’s latest gadget, the Apple Vision Pro. Expect rounded icons, floating and translucent windows and menu bars, as well as new animations.
You can catch a glimpse of potential visuals in this video by Jon Prosser, which presents a mock-up of iOS 26 derived from leaked designs.
I’m not overly attached to any specific design but am excited about change in general. Apple has adjusted its UI over the years; nonetheless, the overarching design aesthetic has remained rooted in iOS 7, released more than a decade ago. While I have a soft spot for the skeuomorphic design of iOS 6 and earlier, I am open to any aesthetically pleasing new UI. If I can have a coordinated experience across my iPhone, Mac, and iPad, that would be a significant bonus.
A Stage Manager-style Experience
For those with compatible iPads, connecting them to an external monitor to expand the display like a laptop is possible. This feature, known as Stage Manager, greatly enhances the iPad’s utility for serious computing tasks.
What do you think so far?
Rumors indicate Apple has a similar project in the works for iPhones. If these leaks turn out to be accurate, you could connect your USB-C iPhone to a monitor and, although not functioning as a full computer, extend your display to match it.
This is an intriguing proposition and could transform the iPhone into a portable presentation hub. Whether showcasing slideshows, videos, or any demonstrations from your iPhone, you would be able to present on any connected monitor. While it wouldn’t measure up to Samsung DeX, which converts a Galaxy phone into a full-fledged desktop experience, this could mark the beginning of something comparable on iOS.
Minimized Glitches
I don’t require much from Apple regarding the iPhone, yet if I had one wish, it would be for a more seamless experience. Generally, things function well, but I encounter numerous minor issues daily, and I bet you do too if you own an iPhone.
Mark Gurman notes that addressing glitches is a top priority for Apple. He mentioned the company is urging its engineers to ensure that this year’s updates run more smoothly and are less prone to errors. Previous releases faced criticism due to bugs and malfunctioning features.
Sound good to me, Apple!
AI-Driven Battery Life Improvements
While I may not be thrilled about any of Apple’s upcoming generative AI features, I cannot deny that AI-enhanced battery longevity intrigues me. We all desire our iPhones to endure longer between charges, right?
In that same report, which revealed the intention to mitigate glitches, Gurman mentioned that Apple is exploring a feature capable of assessing your iPhone usage and adjusting settings to conserve battery power. Perhaps the AI recognizes that you rarely utilize power-hungry features in particular apps and subsequently lowers their performance to favor energy efficiency.
Even more appealing is the rumor about an upcoming Lock Screen utility designed to inform you how much time is left to fully charge your iPhone. These incremental yet impactful enhancements are what I yearn to see from Apple.