iOS 26: Enhancements Coming To Native Apps Including Messages, Music, Notes, And CarPlay

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26—previously referred to as iOS 19—on June 9 during WWDC 2025, and new rumors suggest the update will introduce a series of minor but useful improvements across several native apps. These updates will complement iOS 26’s refreshed visual design and its integration with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s evolving AI framework.

According to sources from 9to5Mac, Apple is quietly preparing five small enhancements across its core iOS apps to deliver a more polished and intelligent user experience.

Starting with the Messages app, users can expect two key additions:

• Automatic text translation, which will leverage AI to translate messages in real-time.
• Poll creation, where Apple Intelligence will analyze conversation context and suggest poll formats accordingly.

Apple Music now has an animated art feature in iOS 17 pic.twitter.com/PfF2nwCsYa

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) September 15, 2023

Apple Music will also gain a visual enhancement. The animated album covers, introduced in iOS 17, will now be displayed on the lock screen, bringing a more dynamic and stylish aesthetic to music playback while aligning with the broader visual updates of iOS 26.

In the Notes app, users will finally receive Markdown file support—a long-requested feature. Markdown allows for advanced text formatting such as headers, bold text, and lists. Previously, users relied on third-party note-taking apps to access this functionality, but it will now be natively supported within Apple’s Notes.

CarPlay is also set to receive a refreshed interface, although details remain scarce. The update is expected to incorporate multiple design changes that match the updated iOS 26 look and feel, improving the in-car user experience.

These changes may be relatively modest in scope, but they are designed to enhance usability and integrate seamlessly with Apple’s AI and design goals for the platform. While larger Apple Intelligence announcements may be downplayed at WWDC 2025, these incremental app updates could make iOS 26 more appealing to users looking for smarter and more visually cohesive experiences.

Overall, iOS 26 appears to be a refinement-focused update, enhancing functionality and aesthetics across key apps, while laying the groundwork for deeper AI integration in future releases.

Filed in Apple >Rumors. Read more about Apple Music, iOS and Rumors.