Apple continues to push the boundaries of its operating systems, and with iOS 19 on the horizon, expectations are rising.
While official details remain under wraps until its unveiling, there’s much speculation and a few leaks hinting at what’s to come.
Below, we explore the expected release date, compatible devices, and the exciting features that could define iOS 19.
When will iOS 19 be released?
Apple is set to preview iOS 19 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.
Following the announcement, developers will gain early access to test the software, with a public beta expected to roll out later in the summer.
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, Apple appears to be adopting a more staggered approach to feature rollouts.
Much like iOS 18, where features such as Apple Intelligence were gradually introduced, not all iOS 19 capabilities are expected to be available at launch.
Some of the most anticipated updates, such as the enhanced Siri powered by large language models (LLMs), are likely to debut in early 2026, potentially in iOS 19.4.
Mark Gurman suggests that other platforms like macOS or iPadOS might be prioritised for major updates, especially given the groundwork needed for innovations including a touch-based Mac.
Which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 19?
Apple’s commitment to supporting older devices remains strong, although with each iteration of iOS, some models inevitably fall off the list.
Although the exact iOS 19 compatibility list hasn’t been confirmed, below are the devices we expect to be supported:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Plus
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
However, Apple Intelligence will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models.
What new features will be available in iOS 19?
Smarter Siri with Large Language Models (LLM)
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, one of the most exciting updates in iOS 19 is the introduction of an enhanced Siri powered by LLM technology.
Foundry
This transformative update aims to make Siri more conversational and capable of understanding and generating natural, human-like language. Users can expect Siri to perform more complex tasks, hold context-aware conversations, and assist with a broader range of queries.
Apple has been testing this advanced Siri internally and plans to integrate it across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, this upgrade is not expected at iOS 19’s launch. Instead, it will likely debut in spring 2026 as part of iOS 19.4.
Expanded Apple Intelligence
Building on the foundations laid in iOS 18, Apple Intelligence will see further enhancements in iOS 19.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
While details remain sparse, MacRumors suggests that new AI-driven features in Apple Music, such as intelligent playlist generation, could finally make their debut.
These updates are expected to integrate seamlessly into the broader Apple ecosystem, further enhancing the user experience.
A shift in software rollouts
A significant shift in Apple’s approach to software development may influence iOS 19.
Foundry
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that the brand is moving away from rigid, annual feature launches and instead focusing on releasing updates when they are ready.
This strategy aims to ensure a more polished and refined experience for users, although it may result in fewer immediate features at launch. It could also result in delays, according to one of Gurman’s posts on X.
Foundry
A recent leak from fpt.’s YouTube channel has revealed significant changes expected for the iOS 19 Camera app, indicating a broader shift in the operating system’s design.
The new Camera app is reportedly set to feature a cleaner, more streamlined interface with fewer distractions around the viewfinder.
Notably, it also might incorporate options such as resolution and frame rate controls directly within the app, a feature long present in Android devices.
Although the actual redesign wasn’t shown to protect fpt.’s sources, the video included a representation of the anticipated changes.
These involve condensing settings and modes, fluid animations, and a swiping mechanism for navigation, making the interface more user-focused. The design aligns with aspects of visionOS, hinting at a possible system-wide aesthetic transformation in iOS 19.
This would be the first major redesign since iOS 7, potentially starting with incremental updates to core apps before expanding further.
Other enhancements
While iOS 19 will likely emphasise AI and Siri upgrades, smaller improvements to performance, security, and user interface design are also expected.
For the time being, however, we have no information on this.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
While we wait for more rumours and leaks, be sure to check out what we know about the iPhone 17 series.