“Apple’s iOS 26, showcased at WWDC 2025, introduced a sleek Liquid Glass design and AI enhancements. Beyond the spotlight, hidden features like real-time AirPods translation and Wi-Fi sync across devices promise to elevate user experience. These unrevealed gems, expected in upcoming updates, aim to streamline connectivity and communication, making iOS 26 a game-changer for iPhone users.”
Unveiled: iOS 26 Features Apple Kept Under Wraps
At WWDC 2025, Apple captivated audiences with iOS 26’s Liquid Glass redesign, AI-powered call translation, and revamped apps like Phone, Camera, and Messages. However, several significant features were not highlighted during the keynote, sparking curiosity among tech enthusiasts. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple deliberately withheld details to avoid repeating last year’s delays with promised features, such as the context-aware Siri, which remains in development. These unrevealed additions are expected to roll out in updates like iOS 26.1 or 26.2 by late 2025, enhancing the iPhone experience further.
One of the most exciting hidden features is real-time translation through AirPods. This functionality, rumored since March, allows users to engage in live conversations with individuals speaking different languages, with translations delivered instantly via AirPods. Unlike the translation features announced for Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, which provide text and audio translations, the AirPods integration extends this capability to in-person interactions, making it a powerful tool for global communication. This feature aligns with Apple’s push to integrate AI seamlessly into daily tasks, offering a practical solution for multilingual environments.
Another unrevealed gem is the synchronization of captive Wi-Fi connections across Apple devices. This feature simplifies the process of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, hotels, or gyms. Currently, users must repeatedly enter login credentials on each device when accessing such networks. With iOS 26, Apple aims to sync these credentials across its ecosystem, ensuring a seamless experience across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This enhancement, though technical, addresses a common pain point, making connectivity more intuitive and user-friendly.
Additionally, iOS 26 includes smaller but impactful usability improvements. For instance, the Messages app now supports custom snooze lengths for notifications, allowing users to tailor alerts to their preferences beyond the standard nine-minute snooze. The Phone app’s new Hold Assist feature, akin to Google’s Hold for Me, detects hold music and mutes it while keeping the call active, alerting users when the call resumes. These features, briefly mentioned or overlooked at WWDC, enhance everyday interactions with the iPhone.
The Photos app also sees subtle upgrades, addressing user feedback from iOS 18’s controversial changes. Tabs for Library and Collections return, simplifying navigation and making it easier to access media. The Camera app’s simplified layout, with swipeable photo and video options, hides advanced controls for a cleaner interface, yet keeps them accessible for power users. These tweaks, while not headline-grabbing, reflect Apple’s focus on refining user experience.
Posts on X have also highlighted features like customizable backgrounds and polls in Messages, alongside call screening tools with spam detection. These additions, though not emphasized in the keynote, cater to user demands for personalization and security. The Games app, a new hub for Apple Arcade and App Store titles, introduces leaderboards and multiplayer connectivity, further enriching the ecosystem.
As iOS 26 is still in its developer beta phase, it remains buggy, according to Cult of Mac’s testing. However, these hidden features signal Apple’s commitment to delivering a robust update. With public beta testing set for July and a full release expected in fall 2025, users can anticipate a steady stream of refinements and surprises as Apple polishes iOS 26 for global rollout.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from Bloomberg, Cult of Mac, MacRumors, and posts on X, reflecting information available as of July 7, 2025. Features mentioned are subject to change during beta testing or subsequent updates.