TECHNOLOGY

The iPhone's Next Big Update: What's on the Wish List

Fri May 09 2025
The annual Worldwide Developer's Conference is coming up in June. This is where Apple will likely show off the newest features for the iPhone's operating system. The iPhone's software is getting a major makeover. This includes changes to icons, apps, and menus. But what do users really want to see in the next update? Some features that people have been asking for in the past have finally been added. So, maybe this year, some of these wishes will come true. One of the most requested features is a split-screen option. This would allow users to run two apps side by side, making multitasking much easier. Currently, users have to switch back and forth between apps, which can be annoying. This feature has been available on Android phones and iPads for years, so it's about time iPhones get it too. Another wish is the ability to start a workout directly from the iPhone. Right now, users need an Apple Watch to track their workouts. But what if you forget your watch or don't have one? It would be great if the iPhone could track workouts using other indicators like distance or pace. This way, users can still get credit for their workouts without needing an extra device. Texting between iPhone and Android users has improved with the addition of RCS messaging. But there's still one thing that bugs users: the green bubbles. Some users hope that Apple will find a way to make texts with Android users look just like texts with other iPhones. This would end the petty arguments about green versus blue bubbles. Managing unused apps is another pain point for many users. Over time, users accumulate apps they no longer use, which take up precious memory. Currently, users can hide these apps in the App Library, but that's not a real solution. It would be helpful if there was a way to see when an app was last used and delete it easily. This would free up space and make the iPhone run more smoothly. The iPhone's clipboard could use an upgrade. Right now, if you copy something and then copy something else, the first thing is lost. It would be great if the iPhone had a clipboard manager that could remember multiple copied items. This way, users could paste whatever they need, whenever they need it. Customization is another area where users want more options. Currently, users can only move apps within a grid on the home screen. It would be nice if users could place apps anywhere they want, including on the lock screen and in the Control Center. This would give users more control over how their iPhone looks and feels. The Action button on newer iPhones is useful, but it could do more. Right now, it can only trigger one action at a time. It would be great if the Action button could do different things based on how it's pressed. For example, a long press could turn on the flashlight, while a double press could open the camera. This would make the Action button even more useful. Filmmakers who use their iPhones to shoot Log videos hope for better editing tools. Right now, Log videos can only be edited on an iPad or MacBook. It would be great if the iPhone had deeper editing tools so users could add cinematic color grades directly on their phones. The Photos app could also use some improvements. Right now, users have to manually create albums, which can be time-consuming. It would be nice if the Photos app could automatically organize photos by event. This way, users could easily find and search for photos from specific events. Finally, volume controls could use a cleanup. Right now, the volume settings can vary depending on what you're doing. It would be great if the iPhone could remember the volume settings you want and keep them consistent across all applications.

questions

    How might better photo organization in the Photos app impact user experience and data management?
    Imagine if the iPhone's volume controls were as unpredictable as a toddler's mood swings.
    Could Apple be deliberately delaying the split-screen feature to keep users dependent on their iPads?

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