Apple revealed on Monday at WWDC 2025, an exciting lineup of new features set to be released with its coming iOS 26 this fall across various iPhone apps. Among these updates some are notable improvements such as Call Screening, more-travel features in Wallet, and highly requested and long-waited group chat feature in Messages.
Some updates leverage Apple Intelligence, including a top feature for Live Translation during call. Others, like a return of tabs in the Photos app, simply make devices easier to navigate and use. We’ll continue to update, as more features are announced.
Phone
Call Screening allows you to understand the purpose of a call before answering it. When an unknown number calls, your phone will silently pick up in the background. The caller will introduce themselves and explain why they’re calling. Only after that will your iPhone ring, giving you a chance to decide if you want to answer or let it go.
Hold Assist is a handy feature that listens for hold music and stays on the line until a live person is available to help you. Meanwhile, Live Translation makes conversations easier by translating what you say in real-time. As you speak, your words are translated and spoken out loud to the other person using an AI voice. When they reply in their language, you’ll hear their response translated back to you as well.
Messages
People who want to group chat on Messages can now easily create polls to help organize events and make quick choices. Apple Intelligence will even recognize when a poll could be useful and suggest a user must start one. Additionally, group chats have new features like custom backgrounds and typing indicators, and you can now request, send, and receive Apple Cash within these chats.
The app has also introduced a way to filter messages from unknown senders. These messages will go to a special folder where you can either save the number as a contact, ask for more details, or delete the message. Apple emphasizes that these unknown messages will stay silent until you decide to accept them.
Moreover, Messages is adding a Live Translation feature. This tool will automatically translate your text as you type it, sending it in the language you prefer. When the person you’re chatting with replies, their message will also be translated for you.
Apple Music
Apple Music is rolling out some exciting new features for its users! First up, there’s a Lyrics Translation tool that will help listeners understand the words of their favorite songs in different languages. Plus, a new Lyrics Pronunciation feature will show phonetic lyrics, making it easier for you to sing along in another language.
Another cool addition is the AudioMix feature, which will smoothly transition from one song to the next using techniques like time stretching and beat matching, just like a DJ does. This could rival Spotify’s AI DJ feature.
If you love karaoke, you’re in for a treat! Apple is introducing this feature that will turn your iPhone into a handheld microphone for your Apple TV. You can sing your heart out while real-time lyrics and visuals are displayed on the TV screen, amplifying your voice as you go.
And to make finding your favorite tunes even simpler, you can now pin them to the top of your Library in Apple Music for quick access.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is set to improve how it understands your daily travel. It will now use smart technology on your device to suggest your preferred routes when you are heading home or going to work. Plus, the app will alert you about any delays and provide alternative paths if needed.
Additionally, Apple Maps is introducing a new feature called Visited Places, which helps you keep track of the locations you’ve been to. You can opt for your iPhone to recognize when you visit a restaurant or store, allowing you to see all your Visited Places directly in Maps. Apple assures users that these Visited Places are safeguarded with end-to-end encryption, meaning they cannot access this information.
Apple Wallet
Apple Wallet is rolling out a new feature that allows users to keep a digital version of their passport, known as a Digital ID. The company emphasizes that this will not replace your physical passport. Instead, it can be useful for apps that require age and identity verification, as well as at certain TSA checkpoints. With the Real ID requirements now in place, the Digital ID offers an additional option for presenting identification during domestic travel.
Furthermore, Apple Wallet will enable users to show their driver’s license or state ID on websites for verifying age and identity. This feature will initially be available with services like Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank, alongside state agencies such as the Arizona MVD, Georgia DDS, and Maryland MVA.
In addition to these features, Apple is enhancing the boarding pass experience in Wallet. Users will receive real-time flight updates through Live Activities, and you can share these updates with others to keep them informed about your journey.
You’ll also have access to Maps directly from your boarding pass to help you find your way to the airport. Plus, you can use Find My to track your belongings and report any lost luggage right from your boarding pass. The Wallet will also display important services offered by airlines, like seat upgrades and standby lists.
Lastly, Apple announced that Wallet now incorporates Apple Intelligence to automatically summarize and present order tracking information from emails sent by merchants or delivery services.
FaceTime
In addition to Phone and Messages, FaceTime also utilizes Live Translation to facilitate communication between individuals of various languages. When conversing with someone in a foreign language, FaceTime will present translated text on the screen for seamless understanding between both parties.
Photos
Following a wave of user complaints about the redesign of its Photos app in iOS 18, Apple is reintroducing a tabbed layout. Now, in the Collections section, you’ll find your favorite photos, albums, and a handy search feature to browse through your library. The Library tab also makes it easier to scroll through your recent pictures.
Additionally, the Photos app can now convert your regular 2D images into stunning 3D spatial photos.
Camera
The Camera app on the iPhone features the two most commonly used capture modes right on the main screen: photo and video. If you want to explore more options, like Portrait Mode or Cinematic Mode, just swipe left or right with your finger.
For other settings such as flash, timer, aperture, and more simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You can also easily switch formats by tapping, which is useful when toggling between HD and 4K resolution or when you need to adjust the frame rate for videos.
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is introducing a new feature that lets you customize your listening experience by adjusting the playback speed. You can choose from speeds ranging from 0.5x to 3x. This update aims to make Apple Podcasts more comparable to Spotify, which already offers similar playback speed options for its podcasts.
In addition to this, Apple Podcasts will also feature an “Enhance Dialogue” option. This tool will utilize audio processing and machine learning technology to improve the clarity of speech, making it easier to hear voices over background noise.
Image Playground
Apple is introducing a ChatGPT feature to enhance Image Playground. This update will let you explore fresh styles like vector art and oil painting. You can also use the “Any Style” option to describe your vision in detail. Image Playground will then share your description or photo with ChatGPT to generate a one-of-a-kind image just for you.
