Apple is expected to release the first iOS 19 beta right after its WWDC keynote on June 9, with the public release likely landing in September. While we’re still a month away, several new features and design changes are already making headlines.

A Fresh New Look

iOS 19 will reportedly introduce a more modern design, inspired by the visionOS system used on the Apple Vision Pro. Expect glass-like elements, translucent menus, rounder app icons, and a new floating tab bar in Apple apps. Analysts say this could be the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7.

Stage Manager for iPhones

A limited version of Stage Manager is rumored to come to USB-C iPhones, like the iPhone 15 series. When connected to an external display, users could open multiple apps at once, though with more restrictions than on iPad.

Encrypted RCS Messaging

Apple plans to bring end-to-end encryption to RCS messages in the Messages app, improving privacy for Android-to-iPhone chats. Features like message editing, inline replies, unsending, and Tapback support are expected to arrive alongside encryption.

Live Translate with AirPods

iOS 19 could enable real-time language translation through AirPods. For instance, if someone speaks Spanish, your iPhone could translate it and send English audio directly to your AirPods—and vice versa.

Smarter Health App

A revamped Health app with AI-powered coaching, educational videos, and food tracking is expected in a later iOS 19 update (likely 19.4). This could rival third-party apps like MyFitnessPal.

Personalized Siri and Google Gemini Support

Apple may launch an upgraded Siri with context awareness and per-app control, requiring iPhones with Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro and newer). There’s also speculation that Google Gemini could be integrated alongside ChatGPT in Siri and system-wide tools.

EU Compliance Changes

To comply with EU laws, iOS 19 and 20 will include features like third-party support for notifications, audio switching, and alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay, rolling out gradually through updates.

Device Compatibility

iOS 19 will support the iPhone 11 series and newer. Older models like the iPhone XS and XR will miss out, though they’ll still get security updates.

SOURCE: MacRumors – Accessed May 8, 2025.