Next Monday at 6pm UK / 1 PM ET, Apple will unveil its biggest OS redesign since iOS 7 with the launch of its new iOS numberings tyle – switching to the year or release – iOS26. Yes I know it’s 2025, but iOS is full released each September so I guess *most* of its year long cycle is in the following year.
iOS 18 is not going to iOS 19, with Apple instead opting to change the numbering for its software updates. Instead, we’re going to get iOS 26, which will be released alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Inside Apple, the design project is referred to as “Solarium,” which hints at what we can expect. Apple has also been quietly preparing a handful of enhancements to everyday apps like Messages, Music, Notes, and even CarPlay. Some of which could be announced as early as next week.
iOS 26 is also expected to get some of the floating on-screen windows and menus that are used in visionOS, with rounded pop-up navigation and menu bars that float above the content on the display. Apple could use shading, shadowing, and subtle lighting effects to give buttons and other interface elements a slight lift.
With AI reportedly playing a smaller role this year, the spotlight will likely fall on design refreshes, and long-time wishlist picks like better window management support on the iPad.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has three key focuses for the new interface: simpler to use, faster to navigate and easier to learn.
“The big thing with this redesign is consistent controls, icons, buttons, user interface dynamics and mechanisms across both iOS and macOS,”
said Gurman in a report.
Some new changes expected to arrive on iOS 26 include: Siri’s AI upgrades, new third-party AI integrations, iPhone battery improvements and expanding AI into more apps.
Sources say that in addition to iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, Apple is also planning to bring its UI overhaul to CarPlay. The extent to which the redesign comes to CarPlay remains to be seen, but Apple is working on multiple changes to match the new iOS 26 design language.
Mockups that are allegedly based on real iOS 26 designs were shared earlier this year by Front Page Tech, demonstrating some of the design changes that might be in store.
Will My Phone Run iOS26?
According to a “very reliable” source in contact with MacRumors, the oldest handsets that will support iOS 19 are the iPhone 11 models and the iPhone SE 2. Those phones launched in September 2019 and April 2020 respectively.
Need a new Handset?
>> Buy the iPhone 16 Pro on Three UK
>> Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max on Three UK
Conclusion
Bear in mind that none of this is confirmed by Apple yet. But all will be revealed on Monday!
This post was written by Rob Gordon, an IT geek, gadget lover and blogger. Rob has been using the internets since 1994 when the only streaming video was that coffee pot in Cambridge (rip)….
Follow Rob on X – @robgordon – about.me/robgordonuk
