WWDC 2026 is just two weeks away, and while rumors have focused on hardware refreshes and AI enhancements, there remains a collection of software features that Apple has yet to address. These are not the headline-grabbing items like augmented reality glasses or a fully autonomous car, but rather thoughtful improvements that could make the Apple ecosystem more cohesive and user-friendly. Here is a deep dive into eight specific hopes for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27—features that feel natural, overdue, and entirely achievable.
Health App on the Mac
Apple brought the Health app to iPad with iPadOS 25, and it was a welcome addition that allowed users to view their health data on a larger screen. The next logical step is to bring Health to the Mac. Many Mac users spend hours at their desks for work, and having access to Health data could enable quick glances at activity trends, sleep patterns, or heart rate without pulling out an iPhone or iPad. Moreover, with the increasing focus on health monitoring through Apple Watch and third-party devices, a dedicated Mac app would allow for more detailed analysis using the larger display and keyboard input. Developers could also build companion apps that integrate with HealthKit on the Mac, creating a richer ecosystem for personal health management. The Health app on iPhone already offers export options, but native Mac support would streamline data review and possibly introduce new data visualization tools. Given that Apple is pushing the Mac as a productivity machine for both work and personal life, the Health app is a missing piece that would complete the circle.
iPhone Mirroring on iPad
Introduced last year in macOS, iPhone Mirroring allows users to control their iPhone directly from the Mac, including accessing apps, notifications, and even audio playback. This feature has proven surprisingly useful for tasks like using iPhone-only apps (e.g., some banking or social media apps) without switching devices. Yet the iPad, which sits between iPhone and Mac in size, lacks this capability. When using an iPad in a desk setup or with a Magic Keyboard, users often find themselves grabbing their iPhone to check a message or use an app that isn't optimized for iPad. Bringing iPhone Mirroring to iPad would not only reduce device switching but also enhance multitasking scenarios. For instance, a user could have a document open on iPad and a messaging app mirrored from the iPhone in Slide Over or Split View. This would be especially beneficial for users who own an iPad and iPhone but not a Mac. Apple's Continuity features have always aimed to blur device boundaries, and iPhone Mirroring on iPad is a natural extension. It's time to treat the iPad as a first-class control center for other Apple devices.
iPad Mirroring on Mac
Conversely, many Mac users also have an iPad and would benefit from mirroring the iPad's screen onto the Mac. While Sidecar has allowed the iPad to act as a secondary display for the Mac, the reverse—mirroring the iPad to the Mac—is not currently supported. With iPad Mirroring, a user could run iPad apps on the Mac (similar to the existing Mac Catalyst apps but for all iPad apps), or use the iPad as a testbed for development without needing to pick it up. This feature could also enable scenarios like using professional iPad drawing apps on the Mac with the Apple Pencil, but with the convenience of a larger monitor and keyboard. Apple's Universal Control already allows a single mouse and keyboard to work across Mac and iPad, but screen mirroring would add a new layer of integration. For creative professionals who use both devices, the ability to see and interact with the iPad from the Mac could streamline workflows. While not for every user, it represents the logical conclusion of Apple's continuity vision: each device becoming a portal to others.
Upgraded Journal App on the Mac
The Journal app debuted on iPhone with journaling suggestions based on daily activity, photos, and reflections. It later came to iPad and Mac, but the Mac version lacks the intelligent content suggestions found on iPhone and iPad. These suggestions—such as prompts to write about a recent trip, a workout, or a photo memory—are what make Journal feel personalized and engaging. On Mac, users get a bare-bones text editor with minimal integration. Upgrading Journal on Mac to include full suggestion support would make it a more compelling tool for those who prefer typing on a physical keyboard. Additionally, syncing between devices should be as instantaneous as Apple Notes. Currently, some users report delays when switching between iPhone and Mac, which undermines the seamless experience. With more powerful hardware, the Mac could also introduce new features like voice-to-text journaling with on-device processing or integration with Focus modes to prompt writing at specific times. Journal has the potential to be a core wellness app, but only if Apple invests in its desktop version.
Liquid Glass Appearance Toggle on Apple Watch
Apple's Liquid Glass design language debuted on the Mac with macOS Big Sur, bringing translucent materials and vibrant colors to the interface. On iPhone, Liquid Glass is used in Control Center, widgets, and some system elements. On Apple Watch, however, the design leans more toward solid black backgrounds with occasional transparency. The watch's small screen and battery constraints may have limited the use of glass-like effects, but some users find the current notification banners and sheet presentations to be jarring. A toggle to enable a Liquid Glass appearance—similar to the tinted option on iPhone—would allow users to personalize their watch face and interface. For those who prefer a more unified design language across devices, this simple addition could make the watch feel more modern and cohesive. Apple has already shown it can adapt design elements for different screen sizes; watchOS 27 could be the time to let users choose between flat and glassy aesthetics for notifications, the Control Center, and even watch faces. This is a minor but appreciated quality-of-life improvement.
Expanded Window Limit on iPad
iPadOS 26 brought a much more flexible windowing system with floating windows and improved multitasking. However, a hard limit of 12 app windows at a time remains. While this may seem generous, power users—especially those using the iPad in a laptop configuration with Stage Manager—frequently exceed that limit, causing windows to close automatically. This feels like a restriction that undermines the iPad's potential as a true desktop replacement. The limit is likely a performance safeguard, but modern iPads with M-series chips can handle more than a dozen lightweight windows without issue. Apple should either raise the limit significantly (e.g., 24 or no limit) or dynamically manage memory as macOS does. Additionally, the window management system could benefit from a persistent dock or shelf for minimized windows, rather than relying on the current app switcher. Closing the gap between iPad and Mac multitasking would be one of the most impactful changes for professional users who rely on the iPad for productivity.
Wallet App Everywhere
The Wallet app on iPhone has evolved from a simple digital wallet for Apple Pay to a comprehensive hub for boarding passes, tickets, keys, IDs, and loyalty cards. Yet it remains an iPhone-only experience, with only a limited presence in Settings on iPad and Mac. Apple's Passwords app showed that moving a feature from Settings to a dedicated app can greatly improve discoverability and usability. A full Wallet app on iPad and Mac would allow users to view and manage their passes, check transaction history, and even add new passes from a larger screen. For instance, during travel, an iPad could display boarding passes more clearly, or a Mac could be used to organize loyalty cards. With the expansion of digital car keys and student IDs, having Wallet on every device would make sense. Apple could also integrate Wallet into the Mac's Touch Bar or Touch ID for secure authentication. The technology is already in place; it's simply a matter of design and implementation.
Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote is scheduled for June 8, and while these features may not be confirmed, they represent the logical next steps in Apple's ecosystem evolution. Each of these additions would enhance continuity, productivity, and personalization without requiring major hardware changes. Whether Apple chooses to implement them remains to be seen, but the groundwork is laid. As always, the company will need to balance innovation with stability, but these hopes reflect a desire for a more unified and powerful Apple experience across all devices.
Source: 9to5Mac News