At WWDC 2025 next week, Apple is gearing up to unveil its biggest software transformation since iOS 7. We’re talking about a sweeping UI overhaul, bold new OS names, and major changes across iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and more. While Apple Intelligence will likely dominate the keynote, a handful of practical, everyday upgrades are quietly coming to life—and they might end up being your favorite part.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple has been cooking up several features that won’t make headlines but will genuinely improve your daily experience. Here are five under-the-radar iOS 26 features to keep an eye on.
1. Automatic Message Translation
One of the most useful additions this year is automatic translation in the Messages app. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, your iPhone will soon translate incoming and outgoing messages in real time. No more copy-pasting into third-party translation apps—just seamless, multilingual chats.
This feature could be a game-changer for users who regularly communicate across languages, whether for travel, work, or long-distance friendships.
2. Create Polls Directly in Messages
Apple is finally adding native poll creation to the Messages app—something already available in apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack. You’ll be able to start a poll within any group chat, making it easier to coordinate decisions like weekend plans or lunch spots.
Even better, Apple Intelligence might suggest poll options based on your ongoing conversation—making the process fast, smart, and fully integrated.
3. Animated Lock Screen Album Art
Your Lock Screen is about to become more dynamic. Instead of static album art in the Now Playing view, iOS 26 will introduce full-screen animated album covers—bringing music playback to life with fluid visuals. This won’t be limited to Apple Music; any app using the media player API could benefit.
It’s a small touch, but one that’ll give your iPhone a more immersive, modern feel every time you hit play.
4. Markdown Export in Notes
Finally, Apple is adding one of the most requested features to the Notes app—Markdown export. This means you’ll be able to write notes and export them in Markdown format, making them easier to share, publish, or reuse elsewhere.
The update may also include enhanced formatting tools and improved syncing across devices, making Notes even more powerful for writers, students, and professionals.
5. CarPlay Gets a Visual Makeover
While CarPlay Ultra is rolling out to premium vehicles, not everyone has access to it. That’s why Apple is also updating the standard version of CarPlay to reflect the iOS 26 visual language.
Expect a cleaner interface, refined UI elements, and smoother animations—even if you don’t drive a brand-new car. These changes aim to bring consistency across Apple’s ecosystem while providing CarPlay users with a fresh experience on the road.
WWDC 2025: More Than Just AI
Beyond these enhancements, Apple is set to introduce the usual round of major updates to iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26. However, this year’s focus appears to be split: while Apple Intelligence features will be present, early reports suggest they won’t be the main event. Instead, the spotlight shifts to a massive visual redesign and practical, user-focused upgrades, such as the ones mentioned above.
With everything from a redesigned UI to smarter messaging and music features, WWDC 2025 could be one of the most user-friendly updates Apple has delivered in years.
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