Apple’s annual software updates are always a hot topic, and with iOS 19 (potentially rebranded as iOS 26) on the horizon, the rumour mill is buzzing with excitement. Set to be unveiled at WWDC 2025 on 9 June, this update is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most significant overhauls since iOS 7 in 2013. From a sleek, visionOS-inspired redesign to advanced AI capabilities and productivity-focused tools, here’s a deep dive into the most anticipated rumoured features of iOS 19. Buckle up, iPhone users—this could be a game-changer!

A VisionOS-Inspired Design Overhaul

One of the most talked-about rumours is that iOS 19 will introduce a dramatic visual refresh, drawing heavy inspiration from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. Codenamed “Solarium,” this redesign is expected to bring a modern, cohesive look across Apple’s ecosystem, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Here’s what we might see:

• Glass-Like Translucency: Expect frosted, layered interface elements with a translucent, glassy aesthetic. Menus, buttons, and pop-ups will likely “float” over app content, creating a more immersive and dynamic user experience.
• Rounded Icons and Floating Tab Bars: App icons may shift from rounded squares to circular or squarer shapes with softer corners. A new pill-shaped tab bar is rumoured to appear at the bottom of apps like the App Store, Apple Music, and Messages, offering streamlined navigation with integrated search functionality.
• Fluid Animations and Responsive UI: The update is expected to refine animations and transitions, making navigation smoother and more intuitive. Interactive elements like buttons and toggles may adapt based on device orientation, enhancing usability.

Leaker Jon Prosser has shared mockups of a redesigned Camera app, showcasing a full-screen viewfinder with translucent menus for photo and video controls. These changes aim to maximise screen real estate while aligning with the sleek, futuristic vibe of visionOS. The Messages app may also get a facelift, featuring rounded, translucent navigation buttons and a persistent search bar for quicker access to conversations.

This redesign isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a unified experience across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making Apple’s ecosystem feel more seamless than ever.

A Smarter, More Conversational Siri

Siri is long overdue for a significant overhaul, and iOS 19 might finally deliver just that. Initially hinted at for iOS 18, a more personalised and context-aware Siri is now anticipated to debut in iOS 19, potentially as late as iOS 19.4 in spring 2026. Powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), this revamped Siri will be more akin to ChatGPT, capable of handling complex requests with greater intelligence.

• Personal Context Awareness: Siri could utilise information from apps like Mail and Messages to provide tailored responses. For example, if you ask Siri about your mum’s flight details, it will cross-reference emails and texts to give you an accurate answer.
• On-Screen Awareness: Siri may recognise content on your screen, enabling it to perform tasks like adding an address from a message to your contacts or summarising a PDF.
• Third-Party AI Integration: Apple is reportedly expanding its AI strategy by integrating Google Gemini alongside ChatGPT, offering users more options for complex queries. This move marks a shift towards a more open AI ecosystem, enhancing Siri’s capabilities for tasks like writing assistance or image generation.

While these Siri upgrades may not be available at launch, they’re set to transform your iPhone into a true digital assistant, bridging the gap between Apple’s in-house AI and third-party models.

AI-Enhanced Battery Management

Battery life remains a constant worry for smartphone users, and iOS 19 is poised to address this with an ingenious AI-enhanced battery management system. Crafted with the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air in mind, this feature will scrutinise your usage habits and alter power consumption to prolong battery lifespan. For example, it may reduce the power consumption of particular apps or system elements during periods of low usage. Additionally, an updated Lock Screen indicator will show the estimated time to achieve a full charge, offering added convenience for users.

Beefed-Up Translation Tools

iOS 19 is set to unveil impressive translation tools, simplifying cross-language conversations effortlessly. A notable rumour is the live translation feature for AirPods, enabling real-time multilingual dialogues. Imagine yourself overseas, with your AirPods translating Spanish to English directly into your ear during chats, simply enchanting.

This post is grounded in rumours and leaks found online, mainly from sources such as Jon Prosser and posts on X. Features might change or may not come to fruition. For the most current updates, be sure to watch Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote on 9 June.