In just two days, Apple is set to unveil its major annual software updates at WWDC 2025. Significant anticipation surrounds a platform-wide design refresh and functional enhancements to iPadOS, particularly those aiming for a more macOS-like experience on the iPad. While Apple’s broader AI ambitions might see some major features deferred, the company is still expected to deliver substantial AI-driven improvements. The buzz around Apple opening its small language models to developers has generated considerable excitement, and some caution, within the app development community. Ahead of the event, Bloomberg has provided insights into Apple’s upcoming announcements, suggesting iOS 26 will take center stage with a focus on core native experiences. Here’s a look at the rumored enhancements and their potential impact on the average iPhone user.
Phone App Enhancements
Google’s Android platform has arguably taken a lead in call-related user safety and security, integrating AI-powered scam detection and anti-phishing tools directly into its Phone app. Manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus have also embedded AI in their dialer apps for call transcription, translation, and summarization. Pixel phones offer additional features like call screening, Hold for Me, Call Notes, and Live Captions. At WWDC 2025, Apple appears poised to begin closing this gap.
iPhone 16 Pro displaying an iOS 26 Apple Intelligence prompt for call recording and summarization in the Phone app.
According to Bloomberg, the iPhone’s default Phone app is slated for some much-needed updates. The report indicates, “Apple is introducing a new view that combines favorite contacts, recent calls and voicemails into a single, scrollable window.” AI is also expected to play a role, with Apple reportedly adding live translation for phone calls. While this feature is already available on some Android devices, its addition to iPhones is a welcome development. Hopes are high that Apple will implement this with a focus on seamlessness, natural-sounding translation, and reduced latency.
Camera App: A Focus on Usability
The common perception that “iPhones are just better for clicking pictures and taking videos” holds some truth, though devices like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offer compelling alternatives with unique strengths. However, Apple’s Camera app could benefit from improvements in interactivity and user-friendliness. Over time, Apple has introduced advanced features like LOG video capture and 120fps Dolby Vision, yet many granular controls remain inconveniently buried within the Settings app.
Close-up of an iPhone's rear camera lenses, highlighting potential iOS 26 camera app improvements.
The hassle of switching between apps, combined with the absence of a dedicated Pro mode and the inability to customize the camera UI—a standard on many Android phones—are notable omissions. iOS 26 might finally address these shortcomings. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests the iPhone’s Camera app is targeting a revamp centered on simplicity. Separately, leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed record with Apple predictions, claims Apple will consolidate Photo and Video controls at the bottom of the screen using an expanding-collapsing box system. This system would reportedly allow users to access core tools for each capture mode, along with crucial adjustments like exposure value. Many users are hoping Apple will finally introduce a mode with more professional-level controls, perhaps drawing inspiration from excellent third-party apps like Kino.
Kino app interface on an iPhone, showcasing professional video controls that could inspire iOS 26 camera features.
Messages App Upgrades
Much like the Phone app, Apple’s Messages app, despite its vast and loyal user base, has not received many significant upgrades in recent years. In contrast, Android messaging has steadily evolved with advanced AI-driven features. WWDC 2025 is expected to bring several enhancements to Messages. Users may finally gain the ability to create polls within the app, a feature long present in competing communication platforms.
Close-up of the Apple Messages app icon on an iPhone screen, hinting at new iOS 26 messaging features.
The company is also rumored to allow custom backgrounds for chats, similar to Instagram DMs and WhatsApp. “The backgrounds will sync between devices, including those of other users, meaning that you and the people you are chatting with have the same look,” states the Bloomberg report. On a more practical note, live translation is anticipated for the Messages app. This represents a significant improvement, particularly for multilingual users. For many iPhone owners in non-Western markets, chat applications frequently handle texts in English alongside multiple local languages. Native live translation would eliminate the inconvenience of switching to a separate translation app. The hope is that Apple might also extend this to include voice translation capabilities.
Smarter Automation: The Future of Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app on iPhone is a potent tool for creating automations and routines, with a dedicated community actively building and sharing innovative shortcuts via iCloud links. However, for the average iPhone user, crafting these shortcuts can be daunting due to the complex workflow. Apple is expected to unveil an upgraded Shortcuts app leveraging AI models.
iPhone 15 Pro Max screen displaying various automation options within the iOS Shortcuts app, set for an AI upgrade in iOS 26.
“The new version will let consumers create those actions using Apple Intelligence models,” a Bloomberg report suggests. While details are scarce, a text-to-shortcut feature, where users could describe their desired automation in natural language (e.g., “Create a shortcut that automatically converts selected images into a PDF and sends it as an email”), would significantly simplify the process. Furthermore, Apple’s plan to open its in-house AI models to developers could enable users to more easily create sophisticated cross-app shortcuts. This overhaul is highly anticipated, with potential parallels to Google’s system on Android, where Gemini can manage tasks across apps using natural language commands.
Looking Ahead to a Smarter iOS
The rumored iOS 26 updates signal Apple’s renewed focus on enhancing core application experiences while strategically integrating artificial intelligence. Improvements to the Phone, Camera, Messages, and Shortcuts apps promise to bring both long-awaited features and innovative AI-powered functionalities to millions of iPhone users. These changes aim to refine everyday interactions, boost productivity, and make the iPhone ecosystem more intuitive and powerful. As WWDC 2025 approaches, the tech community eagerly awaits official confirmation and further details on how Apple plans to redefine the user experience with iOS 26. Which of these rumored features are you most excited to see?
