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| The Apple iPhone appears to be getting a number of new features soon. |
A single leaked iOS 26 prototype, reportedly sold by a third party, has given us one of the clearest peeks into Apple’s software roadmap, revealing over 30 potential products and features spanning the next three years.
The digital walls of Apple’s famed secrecy have sprung a significant leak. A prototype device running an early, internal build of iOS 26 was reportedly sold to a third party, and the software extracted from it is offering an unprecedented glimpse into Apple’s future plans. The code, meant only for engineers, contains "feature flags" referencing everything from a major AI-powered Siri revamp and a new paid Health+ subscription to specific updates for Freeform, Wallet, and AirPods, with planned releases stretching into 2027.
This leak provides the most concrete timeline yet for features that have been rumored for months and confirms that Apple’s 2026 software strategy is heavily focused on artificial intelligence and expanded subscription services.
A Roadmap Written in Code: From Siri to Subscriptions
The leaked internal build, identified by the version number 23A5234w, acts as a development roadmap for Apple's engineering teams. By analyzing the feature flags and their attached release targets, a clear schedule for 2026 and beyond emerges.
The Dawn of an AI-Powered Siri
The most anticipated change is a comprehensive overhaul of Siri, currently targeted for spring 2026 as part of the iOS 26.4 update. The code contains explicit references to new Siri capabilities like IntelligenceFlow, PlanOverrides, and SpotlightPersonalAnswersSiri, which point toward a more conversational, context-aware, and proactive assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. This aligns with earlier reports that Apple is integrating a large language model, potentially based on Google Gemini, to finally close the gap with competitors.
Introducing Apple Health+
Perhaps the most significant new service hinted at is Apple Health+, a paid subscription slated for introduction alongside the Siri update. The code suggests this won't just be a new tier but a foundational shift. According to separate reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Health+ will feature an AI health coach that analyzes data from your Apple Watch and iPhone to offer personalized advice, nutrition tracking, and even educational videos about specific health conditions.
This move is strategic. Apple has recently moved its health and fitness teams under services chief Eddy Cue, signaling a stronger push toward monetizing health features through subscriptions.
Refinements Across the Ecosystem
Beyond the headline AI features, the leak points to numerous quality-of-life improvements:
- Wallet & Payments: Starting in fall 2026, users will be able to AutoFill saved credit card details directly within third-party apps, a convenience currently limited to Safari. Furthermore, by WWDC 2026, the Wallet app is set to gain upcoming payment notifications, helping users track subscriptions and bills.
- App Updates: The Freeform whiteboarding app will finally get folder organization in spring 2026. The Photos app is slated for improved "Shared Collections" in the fall, and the Journal app will gain more interactive "follow-up prompts".
- Accessibility & More: New features like extended Live Captions for additional languages, a "Tilt to Scroll" input method, and enhanced sound recognition tools are also in development.
For the definitive breakdown of every feature flag found in the code, MacRumors has published an exhaustive analysis of the leak that is essential reading .
Looking Beyond 2026: iOS 27, 28, and New Hardware Hints
The leak's scope extends well into the future, with flags referencing work planned for iOS 27 and even iOS 28.
For iOS 27, expected in fall 2026, code points to further refinements to photo collections in the Photos app and an improved pairing process for AirPods. Looking further ahead to iOS 28, Apple is developing new sleep tracking metrics for the Apple Watch, including "time in bed," and is planning to finally bring the Health app to the Mac with macOS 28.
The same leaked build also contained numerous references to future hardware:
- AirTag 2: Code mentions
AirTag2025_Phone_Findingand other improvements, though the "2025" label suggests its release may have been delayed. - New AirPods Features: Several features tied to a spring 2026 launch, including
ContextualRemindersand enhanced "Precise outdoor location" finding in the Find My app. - Mystery Home Accessory: References to a "J229" architecture point to a new home accessory, which could be a rumored home hub or camera.
A Note on Speculation and Certainty
While this leak originates from genuine internal Apple software, it's crucial to remember that these are plans, not promises. Feature flags in development builds are roadmaps that can and do change. Release targets get pushed back, and some projects are scrapped entirely. Apple's official line on future products is always silence until they are ready for announcement.
The community reaction has been a mix of excitement and skepticism. "I can’t wait to see these mythical Siri updates. For me, Siri on iOS 26 has been the worst ever," commented one user on MacRumors, echoing a common desire for improvement. Regarding Health+, others express caution about an AI providing health advice, with one user quipping, "Apple is struggling to get Apple Intelligence right, and they are going to lead with giving medical advice via AI? Siri-ously??".
Ultimately, this leak paints a picture of an Apple deeply invested in using AI to make its core services—especially health and personal assistance—more proactive, personalized, and integrated. Whether all these features ship on this timeline remains to be seen, but the direction is unmistakable.
What feature from the leak are you most hopeful will make it to your devices? Let me know in the comments.