iOS 19 new features to transform your iPhone unrecognizably
Main features of iOS 19 that will surprise everyone (photo: Getty Images)
The first beta version of iOS 19 will be released in less than two months, and several new features expected in this update are already known, says MacRumors.
Apple is expected to release the first developer beta of iOS 19 immediately after the keynote presentation at WWDC 2025, which is scheduled for Monday, June 9. After the beta testing phase, the update will become available to the general public in September.
New design with a floating tab bar
iOS 19 is expected to feature a new design inspired by the visionOS operating system used in the Apple Vision Pro headset.
According to Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech, iOS 19 will have a “glassy” look with increased transparency of menus, buttons, and other interface elements. More rounded app icons and a new floating tab bar in Apple apps are also expected.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg also predicts that iOS 19 will follow a visionOS-style aesthetic and considers this the most significant design overhaul since iOS 7.
End-to-end encryption for RCS
Last month, Apple announced plans to implement end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app in upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. This is most likely to happen in iOS 19, macOS 16, and their companion versions.
Apple’s promise to add encryption indicates the company will adopt the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 specification, which includes many features similar to iMessage. iOS 18 currently supports version 2.4 of this specification.
Five new features for RCS chats in iOS 19:
- End-to-end encryption: neither Apple nor third parties can read messages or attachments during transmission
- In-line replies
- Message editing
- Message unsending
- Full Tapback reaction support in RCS messages
iMessage has had default end-to-end encryption since iOS 5, in-line replies since iOS 14, and editing/unsending since iOS 16.
Apple has not specified exactly which version will introduce these changes, but iOS 19 or later updates (like iOS 19.1 or 19.2) are the most likely candidates.
End-to-end encryption for RCS (Photo: MacRumors)
Live translate with AirPods
According to Gurman, some AirPods models will gain live translation capabilities with the release of iOS 19 and a corresponding firmware update. For example, if an English-speaking user hears Spanish, the iPhone will translate and play it back in English through AirPods, and vice versa.
Google already offers a similar Live Translate feature.
iOS 19 is also expected to bring improvements to Apple’s built-in Translate app.
Live translate with AirPods (Photo: MacRumors)
Updated health app with coaching
An updated version of the Health app may appear as early as iOS 19.4 next year.
Apple plans to introduce AI-powered coaching features that provide personalized health recommendations. These will be accompanied by expert video content explaining conditions and lifestyle improvements. For example, if Apple Watch detects abnormal heart rate changes, a video might explain the risks of heart disease.
Nutrition tracking is also planned, positioning the app as a competitor to the MyFitnessPal app.
Personalized Siri
Apple recently delayed the release of a more personalized version of Siri, introduced at last year’s WWDC. The improvements are expected sometime this year — possibly in iOS 19 or one of the subsequent updates (iOS 19.1–19.4).
The new Siri will understand personal context, be screen-aware, and offer deeper app control.
These features will require Apple Intelligence technology and will only work on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 models, and future iPhone 17 models.
Personalized Siri (Photo: MacRumors)
Changes for the EU
The European Commission recently announced a list of changes that Apple must implement in iOS 19 and iOS 20 to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which fully came into force in March 2024.
These changes aim to increase iOS compatibility with competitors’ products — something Apple is reportedly not thrilled about.
Key EU requirements:
- Third-party smartwatches must be able to display and interact with iOS messages by the end of 2025 (possibly in iOS 19.2 or earlier)
- Audio auto-switching (e.g., between iPhone and Mac) must be available to third-party headphones by June 1, 2026 (possibly in iOS 19.4 or earlier)
- iOS must support third-party AirDrop alternatives by June 1, 2026
- By iOS 20 (end of 2026), third-party AirPlay alternatives must be allowed
A full list of requirements is available on the European Commission's website.
Compatibility
According to a reliable source, iOS 19 will be compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models.
