Leaked iOS 26 code hints at Apple’s future plans for iPhone, AirPods, Vision Pro and more

iOS

Apple’s long-term software plans rarely surface outside its tightly controlled developer events. That is why a recent leak involving an internal iPhone prototype has caught the attention of Apple watchers. As per a report by Macrumours, the leaked software, believed to be an early build of iOS 26, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at features and products Apple may be developing for the coming years.

The software itself does not show finished features or polished interfaces. Instead, it contains internal “feature flags”, short labels used by Apple engineers to track work-in-progress ideas. These flags are not meant for public viewing and often lack detailed explanations, but they can still reveal what Apple is experimenting with and roughly when certain features might arrive.

One of the most intriguing discoveries is a reference to an unknown home accessory identified by the internal name J229. The code links this device to sensors and predictive sensing models, suggesting it could be part of Apple’s smart home ambitions. Some believe it may be the long-rumored Apple home camera, while others think it could be a supporting accessory for a future home hub.

The leak also strongly points to AirTag 2. Several internal references suggest improvements to Bluetooth connectivity, better low-battery alerts, and more accurate crowdsourced location tracking. Interestingly, some of these references include the year 2025, which hints that Apple may have originally planned to launch the next-generation AirTag earlier before pushing it back.

AirPods appear to be in line for meaningful upgrades as well. The code mentions features planned for spring 2026, including contextual reminders, smarter conversation awareness, visual lookup capabilities, and better understanding of room and outdoor environments. There are also signs of more precise item finding and a feature that could allow AirPods to mix audio with another active streaming device.

For Vision Pro users, the leaked code references an enhanced room spatializer feature that could improve how audio behaves within virtual spaces. This update is also tagged for a spring 2026 timeline.

On the software side, Apple seems to be laying the groundwork for major upgrades in iOS 26 and beyond. Health+ stands out as one of the biggest additions, with references suggesting it will be an AI-powered health subscription service launching in spring 2026. There are also internal health projects with code names such as Gumdrop and Geronimo, including one timeline that stretches as far as 2030.

Siri is another major focus area. Several feature flags point to a smarter, more context-aware assistant with deeper integration into Spotlight search, improved understanding of user intent, and more personalised responses. These changes are also marked for spring 2026.

Everyday apps are not being left behind. Freeform is expected to gain folder support, the Journal app may introduce follow-up prompts, and Wallet could start sending notifications for upcoming bank and Apple Card payments. Photos may receive new connection-based features and shared collections in fall 2026.

Accessibility improvements also feature prominently in the leak. These include expanded Live Captions, upgraded Background Sounds, better keyboard access for VoiceOver on Mac, new Magnifier features such as stair announcements, Live Listen controls via Apple Watch, and a possible tilt-to-scroll option.

There are also signs of experimental call screening tools, push-to-talk calling, smarter financial insights related to Apple Card spending, improvements to Mail summaries, new podcast translation features, and sticker creation tools for Vision Pro.

As with all leaks, these plans are not set in stone. Apple often delays, reworks, or completely drops features before launch. Still, this early iOS 26 build provides a rare snapshot of Apple’s thinking around mid-2025 and offers a glimpse into how the company may shape its devices, services, and software ecosystem over the next few years.