Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, set to kick off on June 9, is fast approaching, and with it comes the highly anticipated unveiling of iOS 19. As the next iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 19 promises to bring innovative features, a refreshed design, and deeper integration of artificial intelligence. With rumours circulating and early reports revealing what’s ahead, here’s what we can anticipate from iOS 19 when it takes center stage at WWDC 2025.
A VisionOS-Inspired Design Overhaul
One of the most exciting rumours surrounding iOS 19 is its potential for a dramatic design overhaul, reportedly the most significant since iOS 7 debuted over a decade ago. Sources suggest that Apple is drawing inspiration from visionOS, the operating system powering the Vision Pro headset. This could mean a shift toward a more translucent, “glassy” aesthetic, with rounded icons, floating interface elements, and a greater focus on 3D layering and shadows. The goal is a unified visual language across Apple’s ecosystem, aligning iOS 19 with iPadOS 19 and macOS 16.
The Camera app is said to be a prime candidate for this redesign, featuring translucent menus, a larger viewfinder, and simplified controls that enhance the user experience. Beyond the Camera, system-wide changes could include updated app icons, navigation panels, and even the keyboard, which might adopt a “floating” look reminiscent of visionOS. This redesign is about creating a more immersive and intuitive interface that feels fresh and familiar to iPhone users, not just about aesthetics.
Smarter Siri and Apple Intelligence Enhancements
Apple Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18, is expected to take a significant leap forward in iOS 19. At the heart of this evolution is Siri, which is rumoured to undergo a major upgrade. Reports indicate that Apple is working on merging Siri’s legacy system with a new, AI-driven framework powered by a large language model (LLM), similar to what powers ChatGPT. This could transform Siri into a more conversational, context-aware assistant capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks.
Imagine asking Siri to pull information from your Mail, Calendar, and Messages to provide personalized responses or interact with on-screen content in real-time. While these enhancements may sound groundbreaking, there is a catch: some of the advanced Siri features might not be available until later in the iOS 19 cycle, possibly with updates like iOS 19.4 in early 2026. This staggered rollout aligns with Apple’s recent strategy of gradually refining AI capabilities, ensuring that stability and privacy remain top priorities.
Beyond Siri, Apple Intelligence could expand into more apps, offering smarter suggestions, improved text generation, and enhanced photo editing tools. Privacy will remain a focal point, with Apple highlighting on-device processing and its Private Cloud Compute system to keep user data secure.
New Features for AirPods and Messaging
iOS 19 is also expected to bring exciting features to AirPods users. One standout rumour is the introduction of Live Translate, a real-time language translation feature that could turn AirPods into a powerful tool for cross-lingual communication. Paired with a firmware update, this functionality would allow users to communicate naturally with others speaking different languages, rivalling similar offerings from competitors like Google.
On the messaging front, iOS 19 will likely build on the Rich Communication Services (RCS) support introduced in iOS 18. Enhancements could include end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, in-line replies, and improved group chat functionality. These upgrades aim to bridge the gap between iPhone and Android messaging, offering a more seamless experience while maintaining Apple’s commitment to security.
also read: Apple iPhone 16e Review
Broad Compatibility and a Phased Rollout
Good news for iPhone owners. iOS 19 is expected to maintain broad compatibility, supporting all devices that currently run iOS 18. This includes models as old as the iPhone XR and XS, ensuring that even users with older hardware can experience the update. However, some power-intensive features, like advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, may remain exclusive to newer models with powerful processors, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and beyond.
Following its WWDC 2025 reveal, iOS 19 will likely follow Apple’s traditional release timeline. A developer beta will launch immediately after the June 9 keynote, with a public beta arriving in July. The final version is expected to roll out in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series. However, don’t expect all features to arrive at once. Apple’s recent strategy indicates a phased approach, with significant updates being released through iOS 19.1, 19.2, and later versions.
What Else Might We See?
While the spotlight will be on iOS 19, WWDC 2025 will also showcase updates to iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, tvOS 19, and visionOS 3. These platforms will likely adopt similar design cues and AI enhancements, creating a seamless experience across Apple’s ecosystem. There’s also speculation about hardware reveals, such as a new Mac Pro with an M3 Extreme chip, though software will remain the main focus.