iOS 26: What's changing with Messages, Music, and CarPlay

On Monday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m. Central European Time, Apple will unveil iOS 26 at WWDC25. It's the most comprehensive redesign since iOS 7. While AI isn't the focus this time, iOS 26 brings numerous new features to everyday apps like Messages, Music, Notes, and CarPlay. Many of these features have barely been discussed publicly, but could be officially unveiled at the keynote.

Apple is renaming its operating systems and rolling out a new design language across all platforms. Even without fully utilizing Apple Intelligence, there's plenty to discover. The smaller features that make everyday life easier are particularly interesting. Whether it's communication, media playback, or productivity – iOS 26 makes many things simpler and clearer.

News: Two new features coming

Apple is introducing two practical new features to the Messages app, as 9to5mac now reports. First, automatic translation of incoming and outgoing messages. This feature is particularly helpful when communicating with international contacts and is based on AI. Second, Apple is working on integrating polls. You'll soon be able to conduct polls directly within Messages. Apple is also testing an AI-based feature that suggests suitable polls based on your chat history.

Music: Animated album covers on the lock screen

The "Now Playing" display gets a visual upgrade. The album art is not only enlarged but also animated – in full screen. This feature adds more dynamism and atmosphere to your music experience, right from the lock screen.

Notes: Export to Markdown

Apple Notes finally has the ability to export content as Markdown. This feature has been available in third-party apps for some time. Now Apple is following suit, offering you a convenient way to further process notes or transfer them to other systems.

CarPlay: New design also in the car

CarPlay is also getting a new user interface, adapted to the new design language of iOS 26. It's not yet clear how extensive the redesign will be, but Apple is working on several visual adjustments. This will make CarPlay more consistent with the other platforms. Regular CarPlay—not just the Ultra version—should also benefit from the changes.

Further updates at WWDC25

In addition to iOS 26, Apple will also showcase macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Since AI is expected to play a smaller role, the focus will be on the new design and long-requested features such as improved window management for the iPad.

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iOS 26 is a functional upgrade

iOS 26 is more than just a new look. The new features in Messages, Music, Notes, and CarPlay show that Apple is listening to user feedback. Many of these features aren't spectacular, but they do improve everyday life. If you want to know what's really changing, it's worth watching the WWDC keynote. Because iOS 26 brings useful innovations that you'll quickly come to appreciate. If you can't watch the keynote live, you can get all the important information directly and reliably at apfelpatient.de , as always. Also, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Threads to make sure you don't miss anything during and after the event—we'll keep you up to date wherever you go. (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)