All throughout this week, Macworld has been covering discoveries related to Apple’s future plans found in a leaked internal build of iOS 26. After reporting on new devices such as AirTag 2, HomePad, and a new generation of Studio Display, we also saw details about future software such as iOS 26.4 and even iOS 27.
The build in question is used internally by engineers to test new, unreleased software features. Although it’s an iOS 26.0 build, it also includes several “flags” that reference features Apple has been planning to release far in the future. A “feature flag” is how Apple identifies features in its iOS code. Engineers can enable and disable flags to turn specific features on and off while they are being developed. They also contain notes about when a particular feature is expected to be ready for a public version of iOS.
Read on as we detail what users can expect from future iOS updates based on what we’ve discovered.
Refreshed Health app
The internal build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld contains multiple feature flags related to major updates coming to the Health app. This includes references to a new layout for categories and simplified metric logging.
Apple is rumored to be introducing a new “Health+” subscription next year. A recent Bloomberg report 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 app 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 inside a third-party app and then offers to save it to iCloud Keychain. The feature would work in pretty much the same way 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 set to be released with iOS 26.4 next year, based on code references.
Apple is slowly building its Freeform app into a real productivity tool.
Apple
Folders in Freeform
A long-overdue organization feature: the code shows a full folder system coming to Freeform boards, likely syncing through iCloud. Apple has been expanding Freeform quietly, and this is a sign they’re preparing it to behave more like a true productivity app.
Users can expect folders in Freeform with iOS 26.4.
Sports ‘tier’ for Apple TV
Details are unclear, but there’s a new “Sports Tier” feature flag for the Apple TV app. With Apple investing more and more in sports content for its streaming platform, it would not be surprising if the company ended up announcing a more expensive subscription tier for sports fans.
The feature is also being targeted for spring 2026, likely with iOS 26.4.
Apple has also been exploring adding extra layers of security to its devices with iOS 26.4. One of the feature flags seen in the leaked code hints at a new validation system that will check the integrity of the device before logging into Apple ID and iCloud.
This will potentially prevent users from logging into Apple’s online services if the device has undergone any unauthorized modifications, such as jailbreaking.
New Siri with Apple Intelligence
As previously reported by Macworld, the new Siri with Apple Intelligence is on track 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 may be getting a new Find My feature next year.
Andreas Bergsman
AirPods features
The leaked code suggests new features coming to AirPods. This includes a capability called “Precise Outdoor Location” to pinpoint the earbuds’ location in the Find My app.
Given that the AirPods Pro 3 introduced this year feature an upgraded ultra-wideband chip (U2), it’s reasonable to assume this feature will be exclusive to the newest model.
Clues about what’s coming in iOS 27 and iOS 28
In addition to features planned for iOS 26.4, the leaked build also includes references to a few features being developed for iOS 27 and even iOS 28.
There are new feature flags tied to improved collections in the Photos app with iOS 27. The update will also introduce a new pairing system for AirPods. It’s unclear how this system will work, given that the current method is already quite simple, but presumably it involves 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 in bed. There’s also a flag that indicates the Health app is coming to the Mac with macOS 28.
The big picture
While none of these features are guaranteed to ship, Apple’s internal code often reveals the company’s priorities long before public releases.
iOS 26.4 is shaping up to be a surprisingly ambitious mid-cycle update, and Apple is clearly laying groundwork for much bigger changes in iOS 27 and iOS 28. As development continues, we expect even more clues to surface, and we’ll keep digging.
