As Apple gears up for the unveiling of iOS 19 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 on Monday, anticipation is building among tech enthusiasts and developers. Leaks and rumors swirling around suggest that this update could bring transformative changes to Apple’s mobile platform. The potential introduction of a new naming convention, a gaming app, and even a personal health coach are some of the exciting features that may be on the horizon, as Apple aims to innovate with a design inspired by its Vision Pro headset.
New Naming Convention
In a significant shift, sources from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is planning to rename its operating systems to reflect their release years instead of version numbers. If these rumors hold true, iOS 19 will be rebranded as iOS 26, aligning with a naming style similar to annual car models. This change would affect all of Apple’s operating systems, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, marking a significant departure from the traditional versioning system.
Major Design Overhaul
One of the most anticipated features of iOS 19 is a complete redesign of the user interface, hailed as the most significant update since iOS 7. Sources cite that the new design will be heavily influenced by the Vision Pro headset, with Apple reportedly referring to it as “Liquid Glass.” This new aesthetic may introduce translucent panels and circular app icons, providing users with a visually cohesive experience across Apple’s ecosystem, including CarPlay. Three critical apps—the Phone app, Camera, and Safari—are expected to see the most noticeable changes. For instance, the Phone app may allow users to merge favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a unified view, enhancing usability.
Dedicated Gaming App
Apple is also rumored to be developing a dedicated gaming app that integrates Apple Arcade with the App Store’s gaming offerings. This centralized hub may feature achievements, leaderboards, and curated content, streamlining the gaming experience on iOS devices. This comes on the heels of Apple’s acquisition of its first game studio, RAC7, which is expected to bolster its gaming initiatives. Given the rising popularity of mobile gaming, this move could position Apple as a formidable competitor in the gaming market.
Virtual Health Coach
An intriguing new feature that may debut is an AI-powered virtual health coach. This innovative tool could offer personalized lifestyle recommendations based on data collected from the Health app. Additionally, the Health app itself is likely to receive enhancements, such as a food-tracking feature that allows users to monitor carbohydrate and caffeine intake, promoting healthier living.
Smarter Battery Management
Battery management may see a notable upgrade with the introduction of AI-driven features. Reports suggest that this new functionality will analyze individual usage patterns and optimize battery conservation accordingly. Furthermore, a new charging icon may make its way to the lock screen, providing users with an estimated time for full charge completion. There are also whispers of reverse wireless charging capabilities being tested on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, enabling users to charge accessories such as AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from their iPhones.
AI-Powered Translation for Messages
Another exciting enhancement may be an AI intelligence-powered translation feature in the Messages app. This functionality would allow for automatic translations as soon as messages arrive in a user’s inbox, potentially breaking down language barriers in communication. Additionally, other rumors suggest that the Messages app might introduce a polling feature for group chats, powered by AI-generated suggestions.
Preview App for iOS
Apple might also bring the Preview app, currently available on macOS, to iOS users. This app would allow for PDF annotations and editing directly on iPhones and iPads, enhancing productivity for users in need of document management on the go.
Genmoji Feature
The upcoming update may also introduce a new Genmoji feature allowing users to combine existing emojis, creating personalized and humorous expressions. This addition could enhance user engagement and creativity in messaging.
Siri’s Evolution
One notable area absent from current rumors is significant updates to Siri, which were highlighted during Apple’s 2024 presentation. The anticipated improvements could enhance Siri’s contextual awareness and overall functionality, but Apple has announced that these features are delayed. As Apple continues to prioritize design and usability, enhancing Siri’s capabilities may have to wait, although it remains a focal point for future updates.
Market Impact
With the anticipated changes and enhancements, Apple’s iOS 19 could have a substantial impact on its ecosystem, potentially drawing in new users while retaining existing ones. The integration of gaming, health, and enhanced design reflects Apple’s broader strategy of merging software innovation with user-centered experiences. Furthermore, as competition in the smartphone market intensifies, these updates could solidify Apple’s position as a leader in both mobile technology and consumer engagement.
This story, originally published on June 3, will continue to be updated as more details emerge ahead of the official announcement.