A glimpse behind the curtain has revealed Apple’s ambitious plans for the future of iOS, stretching out to 2028. A leaked internal build of iOS 26, used by Apple engineers for testing, is brimming with “feature flags” – coded markers indicating features in various stages of development and their projected release timelines.
These flags aren’t just random code; they’re carefully placed signals, offering a roadmap of Apple’s intentions. Engineers use them to activate and deactivate features during development, alongside notes detailing when each innovation might reach users. The information paints a picture of significant changes coming to core Apple experiences.
The Health app is poised for a major overhaul. Expect a redesigned layout, simplified metric logging, and potentially a new subscription service – “Health+” – offering access to an AI-powered health assistant capable of answering questions based on your personal data. This redesign appears to be the foundation for a new paid platform.
Convenience is also a key focus. Apple is testing a seamless credit card autofill system for third-party apps, mirroring the functionality already available in Safari. This will allow for effortless payment experiences across a wider range of applications, utilizing the security of iCloud Keychain.
The often-overlooked Freeform app is quietly evolving into a powerful productivity tool. A long-requested feature – folders – is coming to Freeform boards, enabling better organization and syncing through iCloud. This signals Apple’s commitment to transforming Freeform into a more robust and versatile application.
For sports enthusiasts, a new “Sports Tier” within the Apple TV app is under consideration. As Apple continues to invest heavily in sports content, a premium subscription tier offering exclusive access and features seems increasingly likely, potentially launching in spring 2026.
Security is being reinforced with an extra layer of validation. A new system will scrutinize the integrity of a device before allowing login to Apple ID and iCloud, effectively preventing access from jailbroken or otherwise compromised devices. This proactive measure aims to safeguard user data and accounts.
Siri is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation. The next generation of Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence and leveraging a large language model, is slated to arrive with iOS 26.4 in spring 2026. This promises more natural, conversational interactions with the assistant.
AirPods are also in line for enhancements. A “Precise Outdoor Location” feature, utilizing the upgraded ultra-wideband chip in the latest AirPods Pro, will pinpoint the earbuds’ location in the Find My app, offering a significant improvement in tracking capabilities.
Looking further ahead, iOS 27 will bring improvements to the Photos app, with enhanced collections functionality, and a new, streamlined pairing system for AirPods. The details of this new pairing system remain unclear, but it suggests a focus on speed and reliability.
iOS 28 is shaping up to be even more ambitious. Apple plans to introduce new metrics to sleep tracking on Apple Watch, including time spent in bed, and – a significant development – bring the Health app to the Mac with macOS 28. This would create a unified health data experience across all Apple devices.
While these features aren’t guaranteed to ship, the internal code provides a compelling look at Apple’s priorities. iOS 26.4 appears to be a substantial mid-cycle update, laying the groundwork for even more significant changes in the years to come. The future of iOS is taking shape, and the details are fascinating.
