Ahead of WWDC 2025

Apple has always been known for its tight-lipped approach when it comes to new software updates. But this year, the company surprised everyone by pulling back the curtain a little earlier than expected. Just weeks before WWDC 2025, Apple officially unveiled 19 standout features coming to iOS 19. And from what we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be one of the most user-centric, customizable, and privacy-focused updates in recent memory.

Let’s dive into what’s coming to your iPhone with iOS 19.

1. A Revamped Siri That’s Actually Smart

For years, Apple users have joked that Siri felt like a few steps behind the likes of Google Assistant and Alexa. That changes in iOS 19. Apple is giving Siri a serious brain upgrade, powered by on-device AI and the company’s latest language model.

The new Siri will better understand context, respond more naturally, and — most impressively — function offline for many tasks. You can ask it to summarize messages, set up custom automation routines, or even rewrite your emails using different tones (like “professional,” “casual,” or “funny”).

2. Customizable Lock Screen Shortcuts.

 Unlike the popular lock screen customization in iOS 16, Apple is now taking it to the next level. A new feature in iOS 19 lets users tap into lock screen shortcuts, such as accessing a specific app or setting up the camera.

3. Live Activities Get an Upgrade

Remember when Live Activities made it easier to track your food delivery or the score of a game in real-time? Now, in iOS 19, developers have more flexibility with how these Live Activities appear — and they’re even more interactive. You can, for example, order a coffee and confirm your pickup time without ever opening the app.

4. Smarter Notifications with Priority Filtering

Apple is finally tackling notification overload with a new feature called “Priority Mode.” It uses on-device intelligence to automatically group, mute, or elevate certain types of alerts based on your behavior. Think Gmail’s tabbed inbox but for iPhone notifications.

5. Password less Future with Passkeys 2.0

Passkeys are getting a major upgrade in iOS 19. The latest version allows for easier sharing between family members and across devices. Apple is also rolling out “Passkey Cloud Sync” — which securely syncs your passkeys across iCloud but with an extra layer of biometric protection.

6. Multilingual Typing Just Got Easier

If you regularly switch between languages while typing, iOS 19 has you covered. The keyboard now supports multilingual auto-correct, predictive text, and grammar suggestions without the need to manually change language settings. Seamless and incredibly helpful for bilingual users.

7. Mail Gets Scheduled Send and Undo Send

Long overdue, the Mail app in iOS 19 is finally catching up with modern email clients. You can now schedule emails to send later, undo a sent message within a few seconds, and even get AI-based suggestions for improving subject lines.

8. Redesigned Control Center

iOS 19 brings the biggest visual change to the Control Center in years. It’s now customizable with drag-and-drop controls, better grouping for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and third-party app support. You can finally add things like Spotify or smart home buttons right alongside system toggles.

9. Health App Adds Mood Tracking and Vision Tests

Building on Apple’s commitment to wellness, iOS 19 introduces daily mood check-ins and guided journaling prompts in the Health app. There’s also a new Vision Health section that uses the iPhone’s camera to assess eye tracking and screen distance — all designed to reduce digital eye strain.

10. Interactive Home Screen Widgets

Widgets aren’t just for glancing anymore. With iOS 19, you can interact with them directly. That means marking a to-do as complete, controlling your smart lights, or playing a podcast — all without opening the app. It's a small but powerful quality-of-life improvement.

11. New Privacy Dashboard.

The Privacy Dashboard on iOS 19 is a reflection of Apple's commitment to privacy, as seen in the company ‘Strictly personal and professional branding. It's now more straightforward to identify which apps are utilizing what data, when it was last used, and for how long. A "Data Nudge" feature is available that can notify you when an app requests personal information, such as your camera or microphone, without warning.

12. Revamped Messages App with RCS Support

After years of pressure, Apple is finally embracing RCS. That means better group chats with Android users, support for higher-quality media, and real-time typing indicators across platforms. Messages is also getting new effects, more Memoji options, and inline calendar invites.

13. Offline Apple Maps with Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Offline maps are no longer just static — you’ll now get full navigation, including rerouting and traffic estimation, even when you’re completely offline. Perfect for traveling or spotty signal zones.

14. Safari Gets AI-Powered Reading Mode

Safari’s Reader Mode is getting smarter. Using Apple’s AI engine, it can now summarize articles, highlight key points, and even generate reading comprehension questions for students or educators. The goal? Smarter browsing, without information overload.

15. Airdrop Over the Internet

Forget needing to be right next to someone to Airdrop a file. iOS 19 introduces Internet Airdrop, which allows you to securely send content to anyone with an iCloud account — even if they’re halfway across the world. Think of it as a blend between Airdrop and iMessage for files.

16. New Accessibility Features

Apple continues to excel in accessibility, as demonstrated by the introduction of "Eye Tracking" on iOS 19, a feature that enables mobile phone users to control their devices using only their eyes.

17. Focus Modes Get AI Suggestions

Focus Modes now adapt to your routine. iOS 19 will suggest Focus profiles automatically based on your location, calendar, or time of day — like “Gym Mode” when you arrive at the gym, or “Reading Mode” at night. You can still create your own, but the AI help is handy for those who haven’t set them up yet.

18. iCloud Shared Spaces

Collaboration is at the heart of iOS 19’s new iCloud Shared Spaces. Think of it like a shared folder, but smarter. You can combine Notes, Reminders, Safari tabs, Photos, and even calendar entries into a single “space” for family or team projects. It’s Apple’s take on Google Workspace — but deeply integrated.

19. Redesigned App Library and Smarter App Suggestions

The App Library is now more than just a tucked-away drawer for forgotten apps. It gets a new layout, smarter organization based on usage patterns, and daily app suggestions powered by on-device learning. It’s like your iPhone now knows what you need — before you even unlock it.

A Thoughtful Update with Users in Mind

If there’s a theme that runs through iOS 19, it’s this: personalization and intelligence. Apple is clearly leaning into AI but doing so in a way that still aligns with its values of privacy and simplicity.

The integration of smarter features — from Siri to Safari — shows Apple isn’t just adding AI for the buzzword appeal. It’s using it to make your everyday iPhone experience smoother, more intuitive, and less distracting. And by offering deeper customization through Control Center, widgets, and Focus Modes, users get more control than ever before.

What's Missing (So Far)?

Interestingly, Apple hasn’t mentioned anything about the long-rumored split-screen multitasking for iPhones or a full-blown theming engine (à la Android). That could still come at WWDC — or remain exclusive to iPads and Macs.

We’re also waiting to hear more about how these features will roll out across older devices. Apple usually supports iPhones for years, but some of the AI-heavy features (like the upgraded Siri and Safari Reading Mode) might be limited to newer models with Apple Silicon chips.

The Road to WWDC 2025

Apple’s decision to reveal these iOS 19 features ahead of WWDC is both strategic and user-friendly. It gives developers a head start, helps build excitement, and allows the company to focus WWDC keynotes on deeper dives — possibly even more surprise features.

WWDC 2025 is scheduled for early June, and it’s likely we’ll get more detailed looks at iOS 19’s capabilities during the keynote and developer sessions. Public beta is expected to drop shortly after, with a full release this fall alongside the iPhone 17.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an iOS power user or just someone who uses their iPhone to text, browse, and check email, iOS 19 is shaping up to have something meaningful for everyone. From smarter interactions to more thoughtful design, Apple seems to be listening to what users want — and delivering it in its typically polished fashion.

So, mark your calendars for WWDC 2025, update your device list, and get ready for a smarter, more personalized iPhone experience. iOS 19 isn’t just an update — it’s Apple reimagining what your iPhone should feel like in 2025.