WWDC 2025: Anticipated Features of iOS 26 and Event Details

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 commenced on June 9, 2025, at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the unveiling of iOS 26, which is expected to incorporate numerous enhancements, particularly in design, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and accessibility features. While Apple has not confirmed all the rumors, the tech community is abuzz with speculation about the potential improvements that might redefine user experience across its devices.

The focus on accessibility is evident, with reports indicating the introduction of a system-wide Reader mode that would simplify on-screen text for users with visual or cognitive impairments. Additionally, enhancements in App Store labeling could provide clearer information about app functionalities, a move praised by accessibility advocates. According to Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in digital accessibility at Stanford University, “Improving accessibility features in technology is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that enhances user experience for everyone.”

Another prospective feature stirring excitement is the iPhone Desktop Mode, which would allow devices equipped with USB-C ports to connect to external monitors. This rumor, reported by tech analyst Majin Bu, suggests that this feature could mirror the Stage Manager interface found on iPads and Macs, thereby broadening productivity possibilities for mobile users. If implemented, it could significantly enhance the usability of the iPhone for professional tasks, according to James Wright, CEO of Tech Solutions Inc.

In addition to these features, Apple may enhance its Messages app with AI capabilities, including automatic message translation and the introduction of polling features. These upgrades would facilitate smoother communication in multilingual settings and provide users with more interactive messaging options. Dr. Lisa Chen, a communications technology researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, noted that “real-time translation could transform how users interact across linguistic barriers, promoting global connectivity.”

Moreover, iOS 26 might introduce an AI-driven battery management system that learns user habits to optimize energy consumption more effectively than traditional methods. This shift towards AI integration reflects Apple’s broader strategy to enhance the functionality of its devices while maintaining efficiency. According to a report by Gartner, the global AI market is expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, emphasizing the relevance of such advancements in consumer technology.

Apple’s Preview app, typically associated with PDF and image editing, is anticipated to arrive on iPhones and iPads in iOS 26, allowing for easier document annotation on mobile devices. Similarly, a playful addition to the emoji collection may allow users to combine existing emojis, enhancing personalization in messaging.

Perhaps one of the most ambitious features rumored for iOS 26 is the integration of an AI-powered health coach within the Health app. This functionality could provide personalized advice on diet and lifestyle, representing a notable advancement in health technology. Dr. Mark Thompson, a health informatics expert at Johns Hopkins University, stated, “Integrating AI into health apps could offer users tailored health insights, making preventative health measures more accessible.”

Design-wise, iOS 26 is rumored to present a significant overhaul influenced by Apple’s Vision Pro headset, featuring new visual elements that may enhance user engagement. This design update is expected to be the most extensive since iOS 7, with changes across various applications, including a revamped Phone app and an updated Safari browser interface.

As the event unfolds, discussions around the potential introduction of homeOS, a new operating system for smart home devices, are also gaining traction. Although specific details remain scarce, this operating system could enhance the integration between Apple’s various devices, indicating a potential new direction for the company’s ecosystem.

While many of these features remain speculative until confirmed by Apple, WWDC 2025 promises to be a pivotal moment for the tech giant, shaping the future of its operating systems and user experiences for years to come. The keynote presentation, which began at 10 AM PT, was livestreamed on Apple’s official YouTube channel, allowing global audiences to partake in this momentous occasion. The expected launch of these features is projected for the autumn of 2025, coinciding with the release of the next iPhone series, ensuring that the anticipation around iOS 26 will continue to build in the coming months.