Apple iOS 26: Major redesign and new features

Next week, Apple is poised to make history with the unveiling of iOS 26 at its annual World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) in California.

The event, set for Monday, June 9, promises not just another software update, but what’s being described as Apple’s “biggest-ever software rebranding”, according to Bloomberg. If you’ve ever wished your iPhone could get a new lease on life without buying the latest model, this might be the closest thing yet.

Apple’s new era: Why iOS 26, not iOS 19?

You might be wondering, what happened to iOS 19? Apple is skipping ahead, renaming all of its operating systems—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV, and even the new Vision Pro headset—to reflect the upcoming year: 2026. As reported by Forbes and Bloomberg, the aim is to simplify things for users and developers alike. Instead of tracking which update is which, Apple wants the name to instantly tell you when it’s current.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg notes, “This reinforces the unification theme and helps make the naming less confusing for developers and consumers.” So, alongside iOS 26, expect to see iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and the rest. Even the Vision Pro headset will leap from visionOS 2 straight to visionOS 26, no small jump.

But there’s more behind the number than just convenience. Apple is hinting that future updates could roll out more frequently, rather than waiting for the traditional autumn splash. Naming the OS after the year “feels much more forward-looking”, as Gurman puts it.

What’s actually new in iOS 26? All eyes on design and everyday life

So, what can you actually expect? While AI-powered features have been the tech industry’s obsession, Forbes reports that Apple’s 2025 event will focus less on “Apple Intelligence” and more on practical upgrades and a major design overhaul.

Apple’s internal codename for iOS 26 is “Solarium”, evoking light and clarity. If leaks are accurate, iOS 26 will look and feel lighter, brighter, and more fluid, taking cues from the transparent, airy design of Vision Pro’s software.

But this isn’t just about pretty pixels. The redesign is about creating a unified user experience across all Apple devices, making it easier to switch from iPhone to iPad, Mac, or even your Apple Watch without feeling lost. The idea is simple: if you know how to use one, you can use them all.

There are also practical improvements on the way. For instance, iOS 26 will introduce easier Wi-Fi sharing between your devices. So, next time you’re at a hotel, café, or gym, logging into the Wi-Fi on your phone will let your Mac or iPad join instantly, too. It’s a small touch, but one that could make life noticeably smoother.

Battery life, health apps, and more: Subtle changes with big impact

If you’re more concerned about how long your phone lasts between charges, there’s good news. According to both Forbes and Bloomberg, Apple is set to unveil an AI-powered battery management system designed to stretch your battery life further than ever before. For anyone who’s ever scrambled for a charger halfway through the day, this could be the upgrade that matters most.

Other expected features include a revamped Health app and new productivity tools for iPad users, helping to blur the lines between tablet and laptop. Vision Pro owners, meanwhile, could get new “eye-scrolling” controls, a glimpse into the future of hands-free tech.

There’s even talk of live translation for AirPods and a calligraphy pen mode for the Apple Pencil, but the headline acts are all about day-to-day convenience and a fresh design.

When can you get iOS 26?

The timeline is classic Apple: expect the developer beta just after the WWDC keynote, with a public beta likely arriving in July. The full public rollout for everyone with a compatible iPhone should come in September.

This approach, aligning all Apple’s platforms under a single “26” banner, is Apple’s way of future-proofing its software. As Forbes puts it, the new system “will make your existing handset feel like a whole new iPhone.”

Apple’s iOS 26 won’t be just another incremental update. Instead, it’s a statement of intent—making your devices more unified, easier to use, and a little bit more magical. Whether you’re an early adopter or just hoping your phone lasts a few more hours each day, this is one update you’ll want to watch.

As always, the WWDC keynote will be streamed live, and we’ll have all the details and hands-on impressions right here at Euro Weekly News. Mark your calendars: the future of the iPhone arrives next week.