Leak reveals details of Apple’s secret roadmap: iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and iOS 28
Throughout this week, Macworld has been covering findings related to Apple’s future plans found in a leaked internal build of iOS 26. After reporting on new devices like AirTag 2, HomePad, and a new generation of Studio Display, we’ve also seen details about future software like iOS 26.4 and even iOS 27.
The version in question is used internally by engineers to test new, unreleased software features. Although this is an iOS 26.0 release, it also includes several “flags” that refer to features Apple plans to release in the distant future. A “feature flag” is how Apple identifies features in its iOS code. Engineers can enable and disable flags to enable and disable specific features during development. They also contain notes on when a particular feature should be ready for a public release of iOS.
Read on as we break down what users can expect from future iOS updates based on what we’ve discovered.
Updated Health app
The internal build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld contains several feature flags related to upcoming major updates for the Health app. This includes references to a new layout for categories and simplified logging of metrics.
Apple is rumored to launch a new “Health+” subscription next year. A recent report from Bloomberg revealed that as part of the Health app subscription, users will have access to a new AI assistant to answer questions based on health data stored in the app.
The redesign of the Health application will likely pave the way for this new paid platform.
Credit card autofill for third-party apps
Apple is testing a system that detects when a card is added in a third-party app and then offers to save it to the iCloud Keychain. The feature would work much the same as autofill in Safari.
Of course, apps will also be able to provide easier access to credit cards stored in iCloud with autofill. The feature is also expected to be released with iOS 26.4 next year, based on code references.
Apple is slowly transforming its Freeform application into a real productivity tool.
Apple
Free-form files
A long-awaited organizational feature: the code shows a complete folder system coming to Freeform boards, likely synced via iCloud. Apple has been quietly developing Freeform, and it’s a sign that they’re preparing to behave more like a true productivity app.
Users can expect Folders in Freeform with iOS 26.4.
Sports “level” for Apple TV
The details are unclear, but there is a new “Sports Level” feature indicator for the Apple TV app. As Apple invests more and more in sports content for its streaming platform, it wouldn’t be surprising if the company eventually announced a more expensive subscription tier for sports fans.
The feature is also planned for spring 2026, likely with iOS 26.4.
Apple has also explored adding additional layers of security to its devices with iOS 26.4. One of the feature flags visible in the leaked code hints at a new validation system that will verify the integrity of the device before signing in to Apple ID and iCloud.
This will potentially prevent users from signing in to Apple’s online services if the device has undergone unauthorized modifications, such as a jailbreak.
New Siri with Apple Intelligence
As previously reported by Macworld, the new Siri with Apple Intelligence is set to launch with iOS 26.4 in spring 2026. Users will be able to have more natural conversations with the assistant, which is expected to be integrated with a large language model based on Google Gemini.
AirPods could get a new Find My feature next year.
Andreas Bergsmann
AirPods Features
Leaked code suggests new features coming to AirPods. This includes a feature called “Precise Outdoor Location” to identify the location of the earbuds in the Find My app.
Given that the AirPods Pro 3 introduced this year feature an improved ultra-wideband (U2) chip, it’s reasonable to assume that this feature will be exclusive to the newer model.
Hints on what’s coming in iOS 27 and iOS 28
In addition to the features planned for iOS 26.4, the leaked version also includes references to a few features currently in development for iOS 27 and even iOS 28.
There are new feature flags related to Improved Collections in the Photos app with iOS 27. The update will also introduce a new pairing system for AirPods. It’s unclear exactly how this system will work, given that the current method is already quite simple, but it likely involves some under-the-hood improvements to make pairing even faster and more reliable.
For iOS 28, the company plans to add new metrics to sleep tracking with Apple Watch, including time spent in bed. There is also an indicator that the Health app is coming to Mac with macOS 28.
The big picture
While none of these features are guaranteed, Apple’s internal code often reveals the company’s priorities well before public releases.
iOS 26.4 is shaping up to be a surprisingly ambitious mid-cycle update, and Apple is clearly setting the stage for much bigger changes in iOS 27 and iOS 28. As development continues, we expect more clues to surface, and we’ll keep digging.
