iOS 26: Apple is holding back two major features

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Apple unveiled many new features for iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. But not all of them. As Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reports, two handy features are planned that have been rumored but not yet officially announced. Both could significantly improve your iPhone experience and are expected to be released this year.

Apple is pursuing a new strategy with iOS 26: features will only be announced when their release is imminent. The reason for this lies in the criticism of WWDC 2024. At that time, many features were promised whose rollout was delayed or is still pending. Therefore, Apple deliberately refrained from presenting features that will arrive later at WWDC 2025. Nevertheless, they are in the works.

Live translation with AirPods

One of the planned iOS 26 features is Live Translation via AirPods. This will allow you to hear real-time translated conversations directly through your AirPods. The technology is reminiscent of previously announced translation features in iOS 26, but was not shown at the keynote. The feature is intended to enable you to speak with people in other languages while simultaneously understanding what is being said – without the need for separate translation apps. With this, Apple is placing greater emphasis on the practical use of AI in everyday life. According to Gurman, this feature has already been prepared internally but deliberately held back so that it can be rolled out in a stable manner at a later date.

Wi-Fi synchronization across all Apple devices

The second planned feature concerns the synchronization of Wi-Fi access points across the entire Apple ecosystem. The idea behind it: You connect to a public Wi-Fi network once, such as in a hotel or café, and then you don't have to log in again on any other Apple device. The access data, including any portal logins, would be automatically transferred to your other Apple devices, such as your MacBook or iPad. This makes using public Wi-Fi networks much easier and provides more convenience, especially when traveling or working on the go. This feature, too, has been discussed for a long time but has not yet been introduced for strategic reasons.

Release schedule

According to Gurman , both features are scheduled to arrive in 2025, either with iOS 26.1 in October or with iOS 26.2 in December. It's also possible that they'll appear earlier in the beta cycle before they're officially released to all users. Apple is thus opting for a phased release. Only features that are ready soon will be announced. Everything else will come later, but are still firmly planned.

iOS 26 is not yet complete

iOS 26 isn't complete yet. While Apple unveiled many features at WWDC 2025, two important additions are in the works: live translation with AirPods and automatic Wi-Fi syncing between your devices. Both are expected to arrive this year. So if you're waiting for new iOS features, it's worth keeping an eye out for upcoming updates. iOS 26 will receive more than just fine-tuning—it will become noticeably more practical in everyday life. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)