Apple won't unveil iOS 19 until June 2025 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, but details are starting to leak months in advance. We're also hearing that a major design update is on the way.
iOS 18 is heavily focused on Apple Intelligence - Apple's version artificial intelligence. It should be no surprise then that iOS 19 will continue Apple's drive to make its devices smarter. iOS 19 was originally supposed to focus on Siri, but that's been delayed.
Apple released AI features in iOS 18 over a period of several months, rather than all at once. It sounds like Apple will do the same with iOS 19. Apple may be delaying iOS 19 development due to its continued focus on iOS 18 features. We could see the new capabilities released in a similar fashion as we did with iOS 18.
This is a roundup of all the iOS 19 news that we have heard. iOS 19 is accompanied by iPadOS 19. This version of iOS has some features specific to Apple's iPad lineup with larger displays.
Major Design Changes
iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 "fundamentally" change the appearance of the operating system. This will introduce a more consistent experience across platforms.
Apple plans to update the style and functionality of menus, applications, windows and system buttons. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman called the design update the biggest iOS update since iOS 7.
iOS 19 will adopt the same design principles as Vision Pro. Apple will use new windows and buttons, as well as more transparency.
visionOS-Style Camera App
Front Page Tech reports that iOS 19 may feature a revamped Camera application with a design influenced by visionOS. The mockup, based on the rumored redesign, features a design which provides more space for the preview of the photo. Translucent pop-out menus can be swiped to select different camera modes.
The menus are divided into photo and video categories. Options change depending on the selection. The menus look similar to visionOS's translucent menus.
It was rumored that iOS 18 would feature a visionOS style redesign. However, it's possible that this is a change in development for iOS 19. Other visionOS-style apps could be redesigned, but as of yet the Camera app has been the only rumored redesign.
Apple's latest apps, Apple Sports, Apple Playground and Invites, all hint at a visionOS-like redesign in iOS 19. Apps have a more transparent user interface, expandable buttons and an emphasis on the content.
Apple Intelligence Expanded
Apple will likely expand the Apple Intelligence capabilities to include more built-in applications. Apple Intelligence is expected to be expanded in more apps. While no specific rumors have been made about this, Apple could incorporate AI into certain areas. Apple Intelligence was rumored to be used for Apple Music playlist creation, but this has not yet happened. This feature, and others similar to it, could be included in iOS 19.
Siri Updates
Apple has delayed the release of some Apple Intelligence Siri functions that were expected in iOS 18. We may now have to wait until iOS 19 before we get this functionality. Apple is developing a personalized version of Siri, which will be smarter and more capable.
This includes improved app integration, personal context, and onscreen awareness. A quick summary:
Personal Context
Siri can now learn more about your personal preferences and help you accomplish tasks.
Please show me the files that Eric sent to me last week.
Find the email in which Eric mentions ice skating.
Find the books Eric recommended to me.
What's the recipe Eric sent me?
What is my passport number
Onscreen Awareness
Siri will be able to see what you are looking at on screen, and take actions that relate to it. Siri can add an address that someone sends you to their contact list, for instance. Siri can also help you send a picture to someone when you are looking at it.
Deeper App Integration
Siri's deeper app integration will allow it to perform actions and complete tasks not currently possible for the personal assistant. Apple has given us a few examples to give you an idea of what Siri is capable of.
Transferring files between apps.
Sending someone a photo after editing it.
Share your ETA and directions with Eric.
Eric, please send me the email you drafted.
AirPods live translation feature
Apple is developing a feature to translate AirPods conversations in person from one language into another. The firmware update will be linked to iOS 19.
AirPods can provide easier translation for those who speak different languages. However, the app Translate on the iPhone will be required to make the process work.
The iPhone will translate and speak back the Spanish speech to the AirPods user if they are speaking to someone in English. The iPhone will translate the response into Spanish and speak it aloud to the person wearing AirPods. Apple's iPhone Translate can be used to have conversations of this nature, but the AirPods feature will make the process more efficient.
Apple plans to enhance the Translate app as part of iOS 19's new AirPods feature.
LLM Siri – Likely Delayed
Apple is working on a smarter Siri, which will use advanced large language models (LLMs). This will allow the personal assistant better compete with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT.
A LLM is trained using huge amounts of data. This allows it to understand natural language and perform tasks and solve problems. LLMs form the basis of generative AI or AI that creates content. LLMs can be trained in text, art and languages, maths, coding and more.
A chatbot version would be able hold conversations easily and offer the same help and insights as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Apple wants a Siri capable of conversing with iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Siri will respond like a real person.
LLM integration will allow Siri to do more complex tasks than the current version. Apple is currently relying on ChatGPT in iOS 18.2 to answer queries that Siri cannot. ChatGPT is able to analyze images, create images from scratch, provide advice, and answer complex questions.
Apple is currently testing the new Siri in an app that will be available on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It will eventually replace Siri as it stands. Apple had been expected to announce LLM Siri by WWDC 2025. However, development of the ChatGPT style Siri has fallen behind schedule.
Apple may choose to delay the launch of iOS 19 and not unveil Siri's new LLM version at WWDC in 2025. Apple could decide to wait until iOS 20 before releasing the update.
iOS 19 Features:
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that "a larger-than-usual" number of features slated to be released in iOS 19 has been delayed until spring 2026. Apple may release iOS 19 with fewer major features than usual, and then roll them out in a more gradual manner.
Gurman said earlier this year that Apple was slowly shifting away from annual software releases, and instead focusing on releasing new features when they are ready. Apple can ensure that its software is ready and polished without having to hurry to meet an annual deadline.
Apple could keep doing what it did with the iOS 18 launch. Apple Intelligence was announced at WWDC but has been released in stages. Apple will not release all the features that were previewed at WWDC in 2024 until spring of 2025, or even later. This is just in time for iOS 19 to be released.
iOS 19 Release Date
Apple will showcase iOS 19 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which takes place in June 2025. Apple will make iOS 19 available for developers to test, then release a public beta in the summer.
iOS 19 will enter beta testing later this year and go on sale alongside new iPhone models in September 2025, although not all planned features may be ready at launch..
Apple will instead have a staggered release, similar to what it did with the iOS 18 Apple Intelligence feature.