7 upgrades coming to your iPhone next year

An internal version of iOS 26 has been leaked. The codes in this release refer to a set of features and improvements that may be introduced in the future. Among these things, we can mention Health +, the redesign of Siri artificial intelligence and many others.

Currently, Apple is working on iOS 26.3, which is in beta, but the company is simultaneously working on a set of features and improvements that are further away from release. Now, thanks to the leak of an internal version of iOS 26, we have a fairly clear picture of some of these upcoming changes.

MacRumors and Macworld have both reviewed this internal version; A version that can be considered as a roadmap for iOS 26. In this article, the features they have identified have been reviewed in detail. Of course, it should be noted that Apple’s plans may change and the mere presence of a feature in development does not mean its definitive release.

With that in mind, here are seven software upgrades your iPhone will most likely receive next year.

1. +Health

Health + is a feature that has been rumored for a long time and is mentioned once again in this disclosure. Previous leaks have suggested that the service will be an AI-powered subscription that offers deeper health analytics and features such as meal planning and medical recommendations.

Based on this new leak, it looks like Health+ will launch sometime in March, April, or May of next year, possibly alongside a redesigned version of the Health app; A version that will have a new layout and simpler registration of health data.

The codes for this release also hint at a feature called Gumdrop, which is apparently health-related, but it’s still unclear what exactly it does.

2. Smarter Siri

Another previously announced feature is a major redesign of Siri’s artificial intelligence; A matter that Apple itself has confirmed.

Based on previous leaks, the upgrade is likely to arrive around March or April next year, and the internal version of iOS 26 confirms the same timeframe.

Not many new details have been provided about this version of Siri, but previous reports suggest that the new intelligent Siri may be based on a customized version of Google’s Gemini assistant.

3. Live captions in more languages

The Live Captions feature, which enables the conversion of face-to-face conversations and app audio into live text, is now available on iOS. However, the iOS 26 build suggests that more languages ​​are in development for this feature.

Although the names of the languages ​​are not specified, the codes refer to WWDC 2026; Apple’s annual developer conference is likely to be held in June next year, and more information will likely be announced there.

4. Automatic completion of bank card information in applications

Entering credit card information into third-party apps may soon become easier. This version of iOS shows that users will be able to use card information stored in iCloud Keychain for autofill in third-party apps; A feature that currently many of these applications do not support.

iCloud Keychain also appears to suggest saving credit card information when it detects that it’s entered into a third-party app.

According to a report by MacRumors, these features may be released in the fall, between September and November 2026. On the other hand, Macworld suggests that these changes will be part of iOS 26.4, which according to past trends, may be released earlier than this period.

5. Better security

iOS security is also likely to improve in the coming year. According to this internal release, iOS 26.4 will include a new authentication system that checks the iPhone’s authentication status before allowing access to Apple ID or iCloud.

Macworld speculates this means that potentially compromised devices, such as iPhones that have been jailbroken or modified, may be barred from accessing Apple’s online services.

This may not be good news for users who have knowingly jailbroken their device, but instead it can play an important role in keeping users’ data safe.

6. Improve applications

This version of iOS 26 also mentions improvements in several applications, which are mostly minor changes.

The Freeform app will probably get folder functionality sometime between March and May. The Journal application will also have new follow-up notifications in the same period of time. The Apple Wallet app may add notifications about future payments at WWDC 2026.

Connections and Shared Collections features for the Photos app are also mentioned in September to November. The Apple TV app may also get a Sports Tier, which will likely mean a new subscription level with sports content, and the feature is said to be rolling out between March and May.

In addition, the Podcasts app may receive a set of new features in the future, including the translation of the podcast text and the ability to touch a translated paragraph to play it audio.

7. Accessibility updates

Along with the expansion of Live Captions, several other improvements have been identified in the area of ​​accessibility. Among these things, we can mention the Tilt to Scroll feature and a new version of Background Sounds that allows playing ambient sounds.

Apple Watch controls and a 30-second return feature for Live Listen are also mentioned; A tool that turns an iPhone into a microphone and transmits audio to AirPods.