iOS 26 Set to Transform User Experience with New Messaging Features, Stunning Lock Screen Visuals, and Innovative CarPlay Design

Next week, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025), iOS 26 is poised for its official reveal, and preliminary information regarding the upcoming operating system upgrade for its smartphones has already emerged. Apple is anticipated to present a refreshed design with the iOS 26 update, alongside a report highlighting potential new features for Apple Music, Messages, Notes, and CarPlay. Originally projected to be released as iOS 19, iOS 26 will become available for qualifying iPhone models later this year.

Enhancements in Apple’s Messages App: Message Translation and Polls

According to sources cited by 9to5Mac, the Messages app will include a new automatic message translation feature when iOS 26 is launched. This feature is designed to automatically convert messages in real-time, facilitating communication with users who speak different languages, which could be especially useful while traveling.

Moreover, the Messages app is likely to implement the creation of polls, a function already present in competitors like WhatsApp. Additionally, Apple may utilize Apple Intelligence to propose poll options based on chat content. However, it remains uncertain if these features will operate seamlessly on older devices that do not have access to Apple’s AI technologies.

This year, Apple is expected to overhaul its operating systems for smartphones, tablets, and wearables, with a refreshed look for CarPlay. Reports suggest that Apple is in the process of reworking certain aspects of the interface, as noted by the publication.

In addition, the Apple Music app is set to unveil a new visual feature with iOS 26, which will enable animated album artwork to appear on the Lock Screen. The same animations featured in the Apple Music app will also be observable when the device is locked.

A minor yet beneficial update accompanying the iOS 26 release includes the ability to export notes in Markdown format. While iOS 18 supports writing in Markdown within the Notes app, users will soon have the option to export their notes with the Markdown formatting intact.

Earlier reports have hinted that Apple might also unveil various additional features and modifications during the iOS 26 introduction, including an overhauled camera app, AI-driven battery optimization, and new applications for Health and Gaming. More information about these updates is anticipated as WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9.