Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is shaping up to be a significant event, even as whispers suggest a major AI-driven software transformation might be slated for a later release. Nevertheless, insights from credible sources are already painting a picture of the next substantial iOS overhaul. While some speculation even hints Apple might leap from version 18 directly to iOS 26, potentially alongside a Vision OS-inspired design refresh and an AI health coach, the focus here is on app-specific enhancements.
A recent report from 9to5Mac, citing a reliable insider, suggests that the iOS 26 update could introduce several noteworthy changes to Apple’s native applications. What follows is an exploration of these rumored iOS 26 features, which, while exciting, should be considered with the usual caution afforded to pre-release information.
Seamless Communication: Native Translation in iOS 26 Messages
Many users find their Messages app a melting pot of different languages. While multilingual individuals can navigate these conversations, situations often arise requiring translation assistance, leading to cumbersome workarounds like copying text to Google Translate.
iPhone displaying the Messages app, hinting at rumored iOS 26 translation features.
With iOS 26, Apple aims to simplify this. Leaks indicate the Messages app will gain “automatic translation of both incoming and outgoing messages.” This built-in convenience, though highly welcome, isn’t a novel concept in the mobile sphere. Samsung’s Galaxy AI package, for instance, already offers a two-way live translation feature that extends to voice calls and works across various messaging apps like WhatsApp and Google Messages, in addition to its native Samsung Messages.
On other Android devices, users can typically highlight text within any app to utilize Google Translate. While not entirely seamless, this method avoids app-switching. Apple’s move to integrate translation capabilities directly within the Messages app is an encouraging step towards breaking down language barriers more fluidly for iPhone users.
iOS 26 Lock Screen: Immersive Animated Album Art on the Horizon
The iPhone lock screen has evolved into a surprisingly functional hub, offering quick access via widgets and shortcuts. Recent iOS customization updates have further transformed it into a personalized and practical space. iOS 26 aims to elevate this experience.
iPhone lock screen showcasing album art, illustrating potential iOS 26 animated artwork feature.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple is experimenting with animated album art that would span the entire lock screen. Currently, album artwork subtly tints the lock screen background and displays a large, static cover image centrally. While aesthetically pleasing, it lacks dynamism.
iOS 26 could introduce this dynamic flair to album art on your iPhone’s lock screen. It remains uncertain whether users will have control over these effects or if Apple will employ AI to generate unique styles. However, if concept visuals are any indication, this rumored change promises a significant visual enhancement.
iOS 26 is expected to bring full-screen animated album artwork to the Lock Screen.
Source: @9to5mac pic.twitter.com/EAD4YX1puj
— Beta Profiles (@BetaProfiles) June 4, 2025
With AI tools capable of generating video from scratch already available in mobile apps like Gemini, and Apple’s own Image Playground enabling AI-driven image creation, the prospect of Apple Intelligence powering interactive album art effects on the lock screen is quite compelling.
iMessage Gets Engaging: iOS 26 Rumored to Introduce Polls
It’s somewhat surprising that iMessage, a dominant chat platform globally and particularly in Apple’s home market, still lacks a native poll feature. Competing third-party apps like Telegram and WhatsApp have offered this convenient tool for group decision-making and engagement for years.
iPhone 16 Pro displaying iMessage interface, where iOS 26 might introduce long-awaited poll functionality.
While adding polls might seem like a minor update, the integration of Apple Intelligence could make it significantly more dynamic. The 9to5Mac report suggests, “One possibility is that Messages could automatically suggest the poll structure based on the context of the conversation.”
Given Apple Intelligence’s tight integration with ChatGPT, implementing AI-enhanced polls in Messages should be a relatively straightforward endeavor. ChatGPT excels at tasks like format conversion, so Apple could leverage this by embedding such capabilities within Messages, similar to how Writing Tools have been integrated at a system level. This could lead to intuitively created polls, perhaps even with playful language or thematic suggestions based on chat content.
Enhanced Productivity: iOS 26 Notes App to Gain Markdown Support
Many users rely on note-taking apps for various tasks, and while Apple’s Notes app is functional, it has lacked certain features coveted by power users. For instance, apps like Antinote on Mac demonstrate a minimalist approach to note-taking by incorporating text-based commands for formatting and conversions.
Text on an iPhone screen, symbolizing the upcoming Markdown support in Notes for iOS 26.
With the anticipated arrival of iOS 26 (and potentially macOS 26), Apple is reportedly set to address a key functional gap by introducing Markdown support in the Notes app. This feature, long available in numerous third-party applications, allows users to format text using simple, plain-text syntax.
For those accustomed to command-based formatting or HTML-like tools, Markdown support will be a welcome relief, streamlining their workflow. While it might not be a game-changing addition for the average user, it represents a significant upgrade for enthusiasts and professionals who rely on efficient text formatting.
Revamped CarPlay in iOS 26: A More Cohesive Driving Experience
Rumors of a design overhaul are not limited to Apple’s mobile OS; they extend across its computing and wearable software platforms. According to 9to5Mac, CarPlay is also slated for an aesthetic refresh, aiming to provide iPhone users with a more familiar and consistent user interface in their vehicles.
Screenshot of the redesigned CarPlay Ultra interface, indicative of iOS 26 visual enhancements.
The extent of this design refresh is not yet fully known, but expectations include a focus on translucent theming effects, updated iconography, and floating UI elements, mirroring the modern iOS aesthetic. Apple has been working on a significant CarPlay update under the codename “Project IronHeart” and recently unveiled a new iteration called CarPlay Ultra.
However, the CarPlay Ultra makeover is currently exclusive to Aston Martin vehicles. For the broader user base, Apple appears to be developing a more generalized design update. The primary goal of this refresh is likely to achieve a unified visual language across all its software platforms, though any accompanying feature enhancements to CarPlay would certainly be appreciated by users.
In conclusion, the rumored iOS 26 features suggest Apple is focusing on enhancing user convenience, interactivity, and cross-platform consistency. From practical additions like built-in message translation and long-awaited iMessage polls to power-user features like Markdown support in Notes and aesthetic upgrades for the Lock Screen and CarPlay, these potential updates could significantly refine the iOS experience. As WWDC 2025 draws nearer, MaagX will continue to provide updates on these and other developments in the Apple ecosystem.
