iOS 19: All the rumored changes Apple could be bringing to its new operating system

As Apple gears up for the much-anticipated reveal of iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, various intriguing rumors have emerged about the upcoming operating system. Among these speculations is a significant name change, where Apple is reportedly shifting from traditional version numbers to a year-based naming convention. This means that iOS 19 will now be called iOS 26, mirroring the naming strategy used for car models. Sources indicate that this renaming will extend beyond iOS to other platforms, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. One of the most striking changes is expected to be a comprehensive visual redesign, possibly the most significant since iOS 7. Inspired by the Vision Pro headset, the new design may feature translucent navigation panels and circular app icons, aiming to create a more unified experience across Apple’s ecosystem, including CarPlay. Three key applications are rumored to undergo major revisions: the Phone app, Camera, and Safari. The Phone app may introduce a new feature that consolidates favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into one streamlined view. Meanwhile, the Camera and Safari apps are expected to receive visual updates, such as a transparent address bar in Safari. In an exciting development, Apple is also rumored to be launching a gaming app that will merge the offerings of Apple Arcade with the App Store, providing users with a central platform for achievements and leaderboards. This follows Apple's acquisition of its first game studio, RAC7. Additionally, there are whispers of an innovative AI feature designed to act as a personal health coach. This new tool could offer personalized health advice and lifestyle recommendations based on user data gathered from the Health app. The Health app itself may receive enhancements, including a food-tracking function for logging carbohydrate and caffeine intake. On the tech front, improvements to iPhone battery management are also in the works, utilizing AI to analyze device usage and optimize battery conservation. Users might see a new charging icon on the lock screen, providing estimated charging completion times. Furthermore, reverse wireless charging capabilities are reportedly being tested for the iPhone 17 Pro, allowing users to charge accessories like AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from their phone. The Messages app is also set for enhancements, including a new AI-powered translation feature that could automatically translate incoming messages. There are indications that a polling feature might be added for group chats, along with the ability to set a custom background image, following trends seen in other messaging apps. Lastly, Apple might bring its Preview app from macOS to iPads and iPhones, offering users tools to annotate and edit PDFs. While the buzz surrounding Siri's advancements from 2024 remains largely absent, it appears that AI-related announcements will still be a significant focus, alongside the expected design revamps. As the event approaches, further updates on these rumors are likely to emerge.