iOS 19 Beta is a Month Away With These New Features for Your iPhone
iOS 19: What to Expect in Apple's Next Big iPhone Update
The first beta of iOS 19 is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for the many new features and significant design changes Apple is expected to unveil. Following the WWDC 2025 keynote, scheduled for Monday, June 9th, Apple is likely to release the first developer beta. A public release is anticipated in September, following a period of beta testing.
A Fresh Look: iOS 19's VisionOS-Inspired Design
iOS 19 is rumored to sport a redesigned interface heavily inspired by visionOS, the operating system powering the Apple Vision Pro headset. This new aesthetic, according to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, will feature a glass-like appearance, incorporating translucency into menus, buttons, and other UI elements. He also anticipates rounder app icons and a novel floating tab bar in native Apple applications.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg corroborates these design changes, suggesting a visionOS-like overhaul, and believes this redesign will be the most substantial since iOS 7. This is a significant departure from the current aesthetic, promising a more modern and intuitive user experience.
Stage Manager Comes to iPhone
Leaks suggest a limited version of Stage Manager, currently a feature on iPads, might be coming to iPhones with iOS 19. According to leaker Majin Bu, this functionality will be restricted to iPhone models equipped with a USB-C port.
The leaked information indicates that when connected to an external display, these iPhones will offer a Stage Manager-like interface, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously. However, limitations compared to the iPad's Stage Manager implementation are expected. This functionality applies to iPhone 15 and later models, all of which feature USB-C ports. While iPhones with Lightning and USB-C ports can connect to external displays, their current capabilities are limited to basic screen mirroring.
Enhanced Security: End-to-End Encryption for RCS
Apple has publicly committed to enhancing the security of its Messages app by adding end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages in future software updates. iOS 19 is a strong candidate for this update, along with macOS 16 and other corresponding operating systems.
This commitment implies adoption of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 specification, which includes several iMessage-like features introduced in version 2.7. Current iOS 18 supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4. This upgrade promises significant improvements to RCS conversations, including:
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced message security.
- In-line replies for quicker, more efficient conversations.
- Message editing for correcting typos or improving clarity.
- Message unsending for removing sent messages.
- Full Tapback support for consistent and reliable reactions.
While Apple hasn't specified the exact iOS version for this RCS update, iOS 19 or a subsequent minor update (iOS 19.1 or 19.2) is highly probable, considering iMessage already offers end-to-end encryption, in-line replies, editing, and unsend features.
Seamless Translation: Live Translate with AirPods
Mark Gurman reports that select AirPods models will gain a new live translation feature with iOS 19 and a corresponding firmware update.
This feature will function similarly to Google's Live Translate: If a user hears someone speaking in a foreign language, the iPhone will translate the speech in real-time and relay it to the AirPods in the user's preferred language. Conversely, the user's words will be translated and played back by the iPhone. Gurman also suggests broader improvements to Apple's Translate app with iOS 19.
Healthier Habits: A Revamped Health App
A significant upgrade to the Health app is anticipated, potentially as early as iOS 19.4. This update includes an AI-powered health coaching feature offering personalized recommendations and educational videos from health experts.
The coaching feature will analyze data from Apple Watch, such as heart rate trends, to provide relevant health information and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. Enhanced food tracking capabilities are also expected, potentially rivaling dedicated apps like MyFitnessPal.
A Smarter Siri: Personalized Assistance
Apple previously delayed a more personalized version of Siri, initially previewed at WWDC 2024. The company aims to roll out these upgrades "in the coming year," suggesting a possible inclusion in iOS 19 or a subsequent update (iOS 19.1-19.4).
These upgrades will enhance Siri's understanding of user context, on-screen awareness, and provide deeper per-app controls. For instance, Siri could access information from Mail and Messages to answer questions about appointments or travel plans. This personalized Siri experience will require an iPhone with Apple Intelligence, including iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all subsequent models.
EU Regulations: Interoperability Changes
The European Commission's Digital Markets Act, enforced since March 2024, mandates several interoperability changes for Apple. These changes aim to increase competition within the EU market, impacting iOS 19 and beyond.
Key requirements include:
- Support for third-party smartwatches to display iOS notifications by the end of 2025.
- Availability of automatic audio switching for third-party headphones by June 1, 2026.
- Allowing third-party AirDrop alternatives by June 1, 2026.
- Enabling third-party AirPlay alternatives by the end of 2026 (likely iOS 20).
A complete list of changes can be found on the European Commission's website.
Google Gemini Integration: A Potential Partnership?
Google CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at a potential iOS 19 integration with Google Gemini in a recent court appearance.
Given that iPhones with Apple Intelligence already offer ChatGPT integration since iOS 18.2 (allowing Siri to display ChatGPT responses and integrating with Writing Tools), Gemini might offer a similar level of integration.
Compatibility: Which iPhones Will Get iOS 19?
According to reliable sources, iOS 19 will be compatible with iPhone 11 and later models.
This means iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will miss out on iOS 19, though they are expected to continue receiving security updates.
Learn More
For a deeper dive into iOS 19 features and details, check out our comprehensive iOS 19 roundup.
This article, "iOS 19 Beta is a Month Away With These New Features for Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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