All of the new features coming to Apple’s iOS apps

During the highly anticipated WWDC 2025 event, Apple showcased a plethora of groundbreaking features set to debut with iOS 26 this fall, transforming the way users interact with their devices. One of the standout updates is Call Screening, which allows users to screen calls from unknown numbers. This feature operates silently in the background, answering calls and asking the caller to state their name and the purpose of the call. The iPhone will ring only after the caller provides this information, giving the user the option to pick up or ignore the call. Additionally, Hold Assist will keep you on hold by detecting hold music until a live agent becomes available, while Live Translation will facilitate real-time conversation translations during calls. In the realm of messaging, Apple is introducing several highly requested features in the Messages app. Group chat participants can now create polls to streamline event planning and decision-making. The app will also intelligently suggest the creation of polls when relevant. Custom backgrounds for group chats, typing indicators, and the ability to send and receive Apple Cash within group conversations are other notable enhancements. Moreover, users will benefit from a new feature that filters messages from unknown senders, placing them in a separate folder for easier management. Apple Music is set to enhance the listening experience with a new Lyrics Translation feature, helping users understand song lyrics in different languages. Additionally, a Lyrics Pronunciation feature will allow listeners to sing along with phonetic lyrics on display. The app will also introduce an AudioMix feature that blends songs seamlessly, akin to a DJ, promoting non-stop playback, and a karaoke function that transforms the iPhone into a microphone for Apple TV, complete with real-time lyrics. Apple Maps will undergo significant improvements, including on-device intelligence that recommends preferred routes based on daily commutes. Users will receive notifications about delays and alternative routes, while the new Visited Places feature helps keep track of locations visited, all while ensuring privacy through end-to-end encryption. The Wallet app will now support a Digital ID feature, allowing users to store a digital version of their passport for identity verification in various situations, such as TSA checkpoints. This feature complements an updated boarding pass experience, which will provide real-time flight updates and enable users to navigate to the airport directly from their boarding pass. FaceTime will also leverage Live Translation, displaying translated captions for smooth communication between speakers of different languages. In response to feedback regarding the Photos app redesign in iOS 18, Apple is reinstating a tabbed interface, making it easier for users to manage their photo collections and explore recent captures. Lastly, Apple Podcasts is enhancing the listening experience by introducing customizable playback speeds and an “Enhance Dialogue” feature that improves voice clarity using audio processing technology. Furthermore, a new integration with ChatGPT in the Image Playground will allow users to generate unique images based on specific style requests, expanding creative possibilities. With these innovative features, Apple continues to redefine the mobile experience, catering to user needs and preferences in the ever-evolving tech landscape.