iOS 26 and AirPods: Fresh rumors about WWDC 2025

Before Apple presents its new operating systems at the WWDC 2025 developer conference on Whit Monday (June 9), more and more details about possible new functions are coming to light. The company is preparing numerous minor and major innovations in the apps included with iOS, which will probably jump to version 26. A firmware update will also make the AirPods (Pro) more powerful.

iOS 26 translates chats

As the Apple blog 9to5Mac reports, the Messages app will come with a live translation function thanks to AI. Incoming and outgoing messages will be automatically translated into a desired language. A new poll function (Polls) is also being considered, similar to those found in Slack or WhatsApp: this allows users to coordinate better in group chats. Apple is also to test whether Apple Intelligence can suggest possible polls – from the context of the previous conversation.

Smaller innovations also affect the Music app (full-screen animations of cover art on the lock screen) and Notes – the latter of which will finally receive Markdown export. Apple also wants to adapt the design of CarPlay – in the new “Solarium” look, which is apparently planned for all new operating systems.

AirPods: click for photos

New firmware for the AirPods is probably due by the fall. This will offer a range of new gestures, 9to5Mac has also learned. It should be possible to adjust the volume of the “Conversation Awareness” mode just by moving your head. This conversation detection makes it possible to automatically turn down the audio when the AirPods detect that someone is speaking. Gestures for accepting (head nod) or rejecting calls (head shake) are already available.

If the AirPods detect that the wearer has fallen asleep, the music should pause automatically. Where the data comes from (from the Apple Watch, for example?) remains unclear. Finally, the AirPods will have improved microphone recording and easier pairing with shared iPads (e.g., in the classroom). For the first time, it will also be possible to use AirPods to take photos on the iPhone – using a press gesture on the earbuds. It is not yet clear which AirPods models will receive the new functions. It could be AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.

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