iOS 26 to Bring Smart Translations, Lock Screen Animations and CarPlay Redesign: Report

Highlights

• Apple is reportedly adding automatic message translation and polls in Messages.
• The Lock Screen’s Now Playing widget will feature full-screen animated album art and Apple Notes will finally support Markdown exports.
• CarPlay is getting a UI refresh, aligning with iOS 26’s new design.
• Apple is also expected to announce updates across all major platforms at WWDC25.

Caption – A new report shares details of iOS tweets expected in iOS 26 Update. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is all set to reveal iOS 26 at WWDC25 on Monday, June 9 at 1 PM ET.  While all eyes will be on the biggest design overhaul since iOS 7, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. Along with a fresh new look and some rebranded operating systems, reports now suggest Apple has also been working on updates for everyday apps like Messages, Music, Notes and CarPlay.

According to an exclusive 9to5Mac report, here are some of the low-key but exciting features that could be announced as part of iOS 26 –

Automatic Message Translation

Apple is adding automatic translation to Messages, allowing both incoming and outgoing texts to be translated on the fly. While it might not match the real-time dubbing seen in Google Meet or Microsoft Teams just yet, this could still be a game-changer for anyone chatting across languages.

Polls in Messages

Apple is finally catching up to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack by working on polls in Messages. Even better, Apple Intelligence might play a role here, suggesting poll formats based on your chat. It’s one of those quality-of-life features that just makes sense.

Animated Lock Screen Art in Music

The Now Playing widget on the Lock Screen recently got a visual upgrade, and now Apple is taking things further. With iOS 26, you can expect full-screen animated album art on your Lock Screen, a stylish, dynamic touch that enhances the listening experience.

Markdown Export in Notes

For those who love writing in Markdown, Apple Notes is finally adding Markdown export support. While this might be a niche addition, it’s a long-requested feature that brings Apple Notes closer to third-party alternatives.

CarPlay Gets a UI Refresh

CarPlay is also getting a design update to match the new iOS 26 look.

The redesign will apply to the regular (non-Ultra) CarPlay, not just the newer CarPlay Ultra. While the full extent of the changes is still unknown, Apple is reportedly working on multiple interface tweaks to bring it in line with the rest of the ecosystem.

WWDC25 – What To Expect?

Apple is expected to announce updates across all major platforms including iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS.

While AI might not be the main focus this year, expect major design upgrades and long-requested features like better window management on iPad.

FAQS

Q1. What new features are coming to Messages in iOS 26?

Answer. iOS 26 will introduce automatic message translation, enabling texts to be translated on the fly. Additionally, polls in Messages are coming, with Apple Intelligence potentially suggesting poll formats based on chats.

Q2. What improvements are coming to the Lock Screen and Notes app?

Answer. The Now Playing widget on the Lock Screen will feature full-screen animated album art for a more dynamic look. Meanwhile, Apple Notes is adding Markdown export support, a long-requested feature for better compatibility with third-party tools.

Q3. Is CarPlay getting redesigned in iOS 26?

Answer. Yes, CarPlay is receiving a UI refresh to match the broader iOS 26 design overhaul. The changes apply to regular CarPlay, not just CarPlay Ultra, though the full extent of the redesign is still unknown.

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