10 game-changing iPhone features expected in 2026

Apple is gearing up for a significant evolution of the iPhone experience with its upcoming iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 updates. While iOS 26.4 focuses on introducing powerful new features, iOS 27 is expected to prioritize performance, system stability, and long-term refinement. Together, the updates signal Apple’s continued push toward smarter AI, improved usability, and a more reliable ecosystem.

According to a new video from iReviews, here’s what users can expect.

iOS 26.4: Feature-Heavy and User-Focused

The iOS 26.4 update is set to deliver a wide range of enhancements aimed at making everyday iPhone use more intuitive and efficient.

Key highlights include:

Enhanced AirPods Location Tracking:

The Find My app gains precise outdoor tracking for AirPods, allowing users to locate them with far greater accuracy—even in crowded or complex environments.

Expanded Emoji Collection:

Apple is adding around 100 new emojis, offering users more expressive and diverse ways to communicate.

Smarter, AI-Powered Siri:

Siri receives a major AI upgrade, enabling it to perform actions within apps, including third-party applications. This makes the assistant more context-aware and useful for daily tasks.

Improved Password and Card Autofill:

Credit card details stored in the Passwords app can now be autofilled directly into third-party apps and websites, improving both convenience and security.

Freeform App Upgrades:

Apple’s Freeform app now supports folders, helping users better organize notes, ideas, and collaborative projects—especially useful for students and professionals.

Apple TV Sports Tier:

Sports fans will benefit from a dedicated sports tier in the Apple TV app, offering curated content, live updates, and exclusive viewing features.

iOS 27: Performance, Stability, and Polish

While iOS 26.4 brings visible new features, iOS 27 takes a more behind-the-scenes approach, focusing on refinement and system reliability.

Notable improvements include:

System Optimization:

iOS 27 aims to resolve long-standing issues related to performance, battery life, overheating, and bugs, delivering a smoother and more efficient iPhone experience.

Refined Photos App:

The Photos app gets smarter organization tools, improved collections, and enhanced shared albums, making it easier to manage and access memories.

Simplified AirPods Pairing:

Apple is redesigning the AirPods pairing process to reduce connection issues and make setup faster and more seamless.

Next-Level Siri Intelligence:

Building on earlier AI upgrades, Siri in iOS 27 becomes even more capable, offering deeper app integration and improved productivity features.

What It Means for iPhone Users

Together, iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 represent a balanced strategy from Apple—introducing exciting new features while also strengthening the core iPhone experience. Users can expect smarter AI, better organization tools, enhanced media handling, and noticeably improved performance.

The first iOS 27 beta is expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026, giving developers and early adopters a preview of what’s next. From AI-driven assistance to system-level refinements, Apple’s upcoming updates reinforce its focus on long-term usability and innovation.