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

iOS 19: All the Rumored Changes Apple Could Be Bringing to Its New Operating System

As Apple gears up to unveil its next-generation mobile operating system at WWDC 2025 on Monday, the rumor mill is churning at full speed. While the official name remains a point of speculation, whispers of a radical redesign, AI-powered features, and more have the tech world buzzing. Let's dive into the most compelling rumors surrounding what might just be the biggest iOS update in years.

A New Name for a New Era?

One of the most intriguing rumors, first reported by Bloomberg, suggests a significant shift in Apple's naming convention. Instead of sticking with version numbers, Apple may adopt a year-based naming system. This means iOS 19 could be rebranded as iOS 26, mirroring the automotive industry's model year designations. This change is expected to cascade across Apple's entire software ecosystem, potentially giving us iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and even visionOS 26.

A Vision Pro-Inspired Design Revolution

Prepare for a visual feast! The most anticipated change is a complete design overhaul, rumored to be the most significant since the leap to iOS 7. Sources indicate that the new design will draw heavily from the aesthetics of Apple's Vision Pro headset. Expect:

• Translucent panels for navigation: A subtle yet sophisticated touch, adding depth and visual interest.
• Circular app icons: Potentially bringing a fresh, modern look to the home screen.

The goal, reportedly, is to create a more unified and seamless experience across Apple's product line.

Level Up Your Gaming Experience

For gamers, the prospect of a dedicated gaming app is exciting. This app is rumored to be a central hub, seamlessly integrating Apple Arcade and the broader App Store gaming ecosystem. Key features could include:

• Unified achievement system: Track your progress across all your favorite games.
• Global leaderboards: Compete with friends and players worldwide.
• Easy access to App Store game content: Discover new titles with ease.

This move follows Apple's recent acquisition of its first game studio, RAC7, signaling a serious commitment to the gaming market, according to DigitalTrends.

Your Personal AI Health Guru

Apple is reportedly exploring the use of AI to provide personalized health coaching. Imagine an AI chatbot that analyzes your Health app data and offers tailored recommendations for lifestyle improvements. The Health app itself may also get a significant upgrade, potentially including:

• Food-tracking features: Easily log your carbohydrate and caffeine intake.

Smarter Battery Management Through AI

Battery life is a perennial concern for smartphone users. Apple is rumored to be addressing this with AI-powered battery management. This intelligent system would analyze your device usage patterns and dynamically adjust settings to conserve battery life. A new charging icon on the lock screen, providing an estimated full charge time, is also rumored.

AI-Powered Translation in Messages

Communication barriers could soon be a thing of the past. 9to5Mac reports that the Messages app may gain an Apple Intelligence-powered translation feature. This would automatically translate messages as they arrive in your inbox. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence might also power a polling feature, allowing group chat participants to vote easily and even suggesting poll options.

Reverse Wireless Charging: Power Sharing on the Go

Another rumor suggests that reverse wireless charging is being tested on the iPhone 17 Pro models. This would allow users to charge accessories, such as AirPods or the Apple Watch, directly from their iPhone.

The Siri Question Mark

One notable omission from the rumor mill is any mention of the revamped Siri showcased in Apple's 2024 presentation. This new Siri promised to be more context-aware and capable of performing actions across different apps. However, Apple stated in March that these new features are delayed. While AI advancements are still expected, the focus seems to be shifting towards design and core functionality improvements.

In conclusion, while the official details remain shrouded in secrecy, the rumors surrounding iOS 19 (or iOS 26!) paint a picture of a transformative update. From a radical design overhaul to AI-powered health coaching and smarter battery management, Apple seems poised to deliver an operating system that is both visually stunning and deeply intelligent. Keep an eye out for more updates as we approach WWDC 2025!

This story was originally published June 3 and will be updated as more rumors come out.

Tags: iOS 19, iOS 26, Apple WWDC, Vision Pro, Apple rumors, Operating system, Design overhaul, iOS redesign, Apple rename, Software updates

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/04/ios-19-all-the-rumored-changes-apple-could-be-bringing-to-its-new-operating-system/