iOS improvements over the years have made the iPhone more customizable, more useful and more fun. But iOS 19 (which might be called iOS 26 instead) could raise the bar even higher by adding the features on my wish list.

Leaks strongly suggest the iPhone’s next operating system update will introduce a bold new visual design, drawing heavy inspiration from visionOS, which powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. But that visual overhaul — part of a project reportedly called Solarium that will unify the look and feel of all Apple operating systems — should not be the sole talking point during the iOS segment of next Monday’s WWDC25 keynote.

From long-overdue interface changes to smarter multitasking and better system controls, iOS 19 (or iOS 26, if Apple goes ahead with a rumored change to its naming system) has the potential to push the iPhone experience forward in meaningful ways.

With WWDC25 just days away, here’s what I hope Apple delivers with its next big update.

June 6, 2005: Steve Jobs reveals that Apple will switch the Mac from PowerPC processors to Intel.

Speaking at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Jobs’ revelation reminds the tech world that he is a leader who can get things done. Given Intel’s focus on mobile computing, the move also offers a hint at what Apple’s CEO has planned for the second half of his reign.

Apple reportedly does not plan to drop support for any older Apple Watch models with watchOS 12 (or watchOS 26). A leaker indicates the upcoming watchOS release will support Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models — the same as watchOS 11.

Apple discontinued support for several older Apple Watch models with the release of watchOS 11 in 2024

Ahead of iOS 19‘s unveiling at WWDC25 next week, Apple shared updated iOS 18 adoption figures. As of June 4, 2025, the OS powers 88% of all iPhones launched in the last four years.

This number drops slightly to 82% when considering all active iPhones. More iPhones have adopted iOS 18 than iOS 17 during the same timeframe last year.

iOS 19/iOS 26 will reportedly enhance the AirPods experience by introducing new head gestures. The earbuds will also become smart enough to stop audio playback when you fall asleep while wearing them. Plus, you may finally be able to use the AirPods as a remote shutter for the camera.

With every new major iOS release, Apple added new features to AirPods as well. It appears the company may continue that trend this year as well.

Apple reportedly will introduce several enhancements to its Messages, Notes and Music apps as part of iOS 19. New additions in the Messages app include automatic translations and support for polls. And the Music app will enhance the Now Playing view on the Lock Screen by adding animated, full-screen album art.

Apple’s Game Center service lets you compete with friends and unlock achievements in the games you play. You can see where you rank among your friends — and globally. Achievements will give you a list of missions to accomplish to prove your mastery of the game. You can even play live multiplayer games on all your separate devices using SharePlay.

Up until iOS 10, Game Center existed as a separate app on iPhone and iPad, which made this all easier to manage. And rumor has it that Apple will replace Game Center with the next major version of iOS, to be announced next week at WWDC25.

How do you manage your Game Center account now, on iOS 18? What options do you have? How do you add friends?

Apple revealed the winners of its prestigious 2025 Apple Design Awards Tuesday, celebrating 12 exceptional apps and games that showcase the very best of what’s possible on Apple devices. And the celebration of Apple Design Awards-winning apps and games will carry on at WWDC25, Apple said.

“Developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating apps and games that are not only beautifully designed but also deeply impactful,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible group of winners and finalists at WWDC and spotlight the innovation and craftsmanship they bring to each experience.”

June 2, 2014: Apple shows off Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite for the first time at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Following the Jony Ive-redesigned iOS 7, Yosemite boasts an aesthetic change that brings Apple’s desktop computers closer than ever to the look of the company’s mobile software.

Named after Yosemite National Park, the update follows the previous year’s Mavericks as the second Mac operating system named after a California landmark.

Apple reportedly chose “Tahoe” as the name for the upcoming macOS version, according to a new report. This marks the third significant redesign of the Mac operating system since the company began using California-themed naming conventions in 2013.

The name macOS Tahoe, inspired by the iconic Lake Tahoe resort area, signals Apple’s commitment to delivering another major visual overhaul to its desktop platform.