Apple’s Upcoming iOS Updates: Insights from Internal Leaks

A recent internal iOS 26 build leak has unveiled plans for Apple’s future software updates, detailing what could be in store for iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and even iOS 28. This information, shared by MacWorld, provides a rare glimpse into Apple’s development processes.

Apple engineers test upcoming features years in advance using special development “flags,” which help them toggle functionality and make notes about feature specs and anticipated release timelines.

Health App Gets Major Redesign

Major updates are on the horizon for Apple’s Health app. According to the leak, users can expect a revamped category layout that enhances navigation and streamlines health data recording.

A new addition called Health+ is also in the works. This would be a subscription service using AI to offer personalized health advice, acting much like a virtual health consultant.

Siri Overhaul Still on Track for iOS 26.4

Despite some initial engineering challenges noted last October, Apple’s digital assistant, Siri, is primed for major enhancements in iOS 26.4. The aim is to support more natural and context-aware conversations.

These changes might be powered by a collaboration with Google, which involves integrating Google’s Gemini technology, a sign of Apple’s commitment to modernizing Siri.

AirPods Pro 3 to Get Precise Location Tracking

For AirPods Pro 3 owners, “Precise Outdoor Location” functionality is on the way in iOS 26.4. This feature promises more accurate positioning within the Find My app, but it seems to be limited to models featuring the new U2 chip.

Credit Card Autofill Expands Beyond Safari

Apple is experimenting with a broader application of credit card autofill that would span beyond just Safari, extending to third-party apps. Users could save and autofill payment details securely across all apps via iCloud Keychain.

When entering card details in a third-party app, a prompt would appear, offering to save this information to iCloud Keychain, making future transactions more seamless.

Freeform App Adds Folder Organization

Folder support is on the horizon for the Freeform collaborative app, according to the iOS 26.4 leak. This should make organizing projects much simpler, with the added benefit of iCloud synchronization to keep content consistent across all devices.

Apple TV App May Introduce Sports Bundle

Hints of a “Sports Tier” within the Apple TV app suggest new sports-centric offerings might arrive by spring 2026. While specifics remain cloudy, possibilities include reorganizing current sports subscriptions or possibly a new sports streaming bundle.

With Apple reportedly gearing up to offer Formula 1 streaming, they might aim to consolidate sports content into a single subscription.

Enhanced Security for Apple ID Login

The leak points to iOS 26.4 implementing device integrity checks prior to granting Apple ID or iCloud access. This step would block jailbroken or altered devices from connecting to Apple’s cloud services.

iOS 27 and iOS 28 Features in Development

Looking even further ahead, the leak includes flags for iOS 27, showcasing potential features like improved photo collections and a new system for AirPods pairing that will work faster through backend upgrades.

For iOS 28, increased Apple Watch sleep tracking metrics are in the pipeline, potentially including “time spent in bed” measurements. There’s also talk of bringing the Health app to macOS 28, integrating health tracking with Macs.

Other Hardware Updates in the Leak

Additional revelations from the internal build feature plans for future hardware. These include a Studio Display 2 sporting 120Hz ProMotion, second-gen AirTags with enhanced tracking and battery features, and the eagerly awaited Apple smart home hub.