Apple set to unveil iOS 26 with major redesigns to Phone, Camera, and other apps at WWDC

Apple iPhone

Apple is preparing to introduce a sweeping visual overhaul to several of its core apps—including Phone, Camera, Safari, and Messages—at WWDC next week, Bloomberg has reported. These updates will reflect a fresh, more transparent aesthetic inspired by the company’s visionOS design language, which debuted with the Vision Pro.

One of the headline changes is coming to the Phone app, which is reportedly getting an all-new “single, scrollable window” that merges favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails. This layout is designed to streamline the user experience, though Apple is keeping the traditional version available via a toggle.

The updates coincide with a broader rebranding effort: all of Apple’s operating systems will reportedly advance to version 26—iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26—bringing visual consistency and subtle design unification across devices. In particular, Apple is expected to incorporate “digital glass” effects system-wide, making UI elements like Safari’s address bar appear more translucent and fluid.

The Camera app is also expected to see simplification, in line with earlier leaks from YouTuber Jon Prosser. While details remain scarce, the redesign is likely aimed at decluttering the interface while retaining core functionality.

In Messages, Apple may introduce polls, giving users a native way to gather quick opinions in group chats. There’s also speculation around cross-device syncing of chat background images—a move that mirrors features long offered by WhatsApp.

The Preview app, a staple on Macs for handling PDFs and image annotation, is reportedly coming to iOS and iPadOS, expanding its utility to mobile users. Apple is also expected to formally introduce its new Games app, complete with tabs for Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search, highlighting its push into more structured gaming experiences.

Despite some chatter online about redesigned app icons, Bloomberg suggests those will “largely” remain unchanged.

While generative AI has dominated tech headlines, WWDC 2025 appears to be more about operating system refinement than any major Siri revamp. Apple may offer a glimpse at AI-powered live translations for calls and messages, but those waiting for a smarter Siri or a ChatGPT-scale breakthrough may need to wait until later this year.