Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19, the next iteration of its operating system for iPhones. The announcement is anticipated during the WWDC 2025 keynote, with a public release expected in September 2025. This update aims to enhance Apple Intelligence features, as the company seeks to compete with major players like Google and OpenAI. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming iOS 19 update.
Announcement Timeline for iOS 19
Following past trends, Apple is likely to announce iOS 19 during the WWDC 2025 keynote, typically held in early June. The event has shifted to a pre-recorded format since the pandemic, but media and developers are still invited to watch from Apple Park in Cupertino. The official announcement is expected in April 2025, as Apple has already started development on iOS 19, codenamed Luck.
Release Date Expectations for iOS 19
The anticipated release date for iOS 19 is September 2025. Apple usually states that updates will be available “in the fall,” but recent years have seen releases later in September. Some rumors suggest that not all major features will be available at launch, with significant functionalities possibly arriving in the first half of 2026.
Rumored Features of iOS 19
So far, the primary focus of iOS 19 appears to be the expansion of Apple Intelligence. Here’s what we know:
Growth of Apple Intelligence in iOS 19
While Apple is set to introduce several Apple Intelligence features during the iOS 18 cycle, more advanced capabilities are expected with iOS 19. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the initial version of Apple Intelligence will focus on basic changes, with a more sophisticated model akin to ChatGPT arriving later.
These upgrades aim to enhance Siri’s usability, although it still relies on an outdated infrastructure. Gurman notes that Siri has not yet been fully adapted for the generative AI era, despite Apple’s efforts to give that impression.
Additionally, a significant number of features planned for iOS 19 may be delayed until spring 2026, coinciding with the release of iOS 19.4.
Introducing Siri GPT
Gurman also reports that the new version of Siri will utilize advanced large language models (LLMs) to facilitate more natural conversations. This upgraded Siri, referred to internally as “LLM Siri,” is designed to handle complex requests more efficiently.
Currently, Apple is testing this enhanced Siri on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, aiming to replace the existing version. The rollout of LLM Siri is expected to coincide with iOS 19 and macOS 16, both set for release next year.
However, similar to Apple Intelligence, the new Siri may not launch alongside new hardware in 2025. Instead, it will be announced next year, with a potential rollout starting in spring 2026.
New Emoji and Features in iOS 19
Apple typically introduces new emojis with each iOS update. While these may not be available with the initial release of iOS 19, they are expected to be unveiled throughout the operating system’s lifecycle.
Supported Devices for iOS 19
With iOS 18, Apple maintained support for the same devices as iOS 17. However, as the company shifts focus towards devices with 5G and Apple Intelligence support, some models may lose compatibility. The following iPhone models currently support iOS 18:
- iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
- iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
Rumors suggest that iOS 19 will continue to support all iPhone models compatible with iOS 18, although this may not apply to iPadOS 19.
Stay tuned for updates on iOS 19 as more information about its features and release date becomes available. For those interested in the latest tech trends, check out our article on Top Tech Industry Trends 2024.
Via BGR
