A leaked internal iOS 26 build allegedly includes references to a new Health app, more accurate AirPods tracking in iOS 26.4, and even some details about iOS 27 and iOS 28.

Apple often tests many features due in future software updates well in advance of their eventual release. One recent leak may have hinted at what’s coming in the 28-generation of Apple’s operating systems.

The internal build of iOS 26 examined by MacWorld is said to include several "flags" for features Apple is still working on. The flags are designed to allow engineers to enable and disable features while they are being developed, and often include notes about the feature itself.

In the batch of details released on Friday, the flags include some for the Health app. A new layout for categories is expected, as well as a simplified way to log different health metrics.

The report also mentions Health+, a rumored subscription service that should use a doctor-like AI to help the user get healthier.

Siri and AirPods

Siri has previously been discussed as finally getting an overhaul in iOS 26.4, bringing more contextual and natural conversation interactions to the digital assistant. This may be assisted by a billion-dollar deal with Google to use Gemini.

While there was apparently some concern from engineers in October, the new report says it’s on track for the iOS 26.4 release.

AirPods are also anticipated to get an update to use "Precise Outdoor Location." It seems that the feature will give a more detailed location for the earbuds in Find My, however it may be limited to the U2-equipped AirPods Pro 3.

Cards, Folders, Sports

The list of features that could appear in iOS 26.4 includes a system for credit card autofill that expands what’s available in Safari. Apple is allegedly testing allowing third-party apps to use the same iCloud Keychain feature.

If credit card details are being entered into a third-party app, the user will be prompted to save it in the iCloud Keychain. Likewise, if the user is about to use their card details in a third-party app, they will be able to use Autofill to fill in those details.

The Freeform app is also expected to get some iOS 26.4 changes to make it more useful. Specifically the inclusion of a full folder system, one that may also have iCloud syncing.

There are also mentions of a "Sports Tier" in a flag in the Apple TV app. It is unclear what this means for consumers, but it is also apparently being aimed for a spring 2026 launch.

As to what a "Sports Tier" could mean, it could be anything from a reorganization of how the app organizes Apple’s sporting subscriptions to something more expansive. With the introduction of an F1 streaming subscription on the horizon, Apple could create a sports streaming bundle including them all.

There is also the expectation of increased security arriving as part of iOS 26.4, by checking the integrity of devices before logging in with an Apple ID or iCloud. This may prevent users with jailbroken or modified devices from accessing online storage.

Beyond iOS 26

Some of the details in the leaked build are for features that Apple plans to introduce long into the future. Some are potentially arriving in iOS 27 and iOS 28.

For iOS 27, the flags indicate things like improved collections within the Photos app.

There are also mentions of a new pairing system for AirPods in the same release. Though what this entails is unknown, it may involve some behind-the-scenes changes to speed up pairing.

There are naturally fewer elements for iOS 28, but one prominent item is more sleep tracking metrics for the Apple Watch, including measuring how long the user is in bed. There are also signs that the Health app could arrive as part of macOS 28.

A wealth of leaks

The new details are the latest in a series of reports stemming from the internal build, covering a number of key areas and products.

This includes a claim about the Studio Display 2 having 120Hz ProMotion support. The second generation of AirTags was also raised, with expectations of improved pairing, detailed battery reports, enhanced precision finding, and an improved Moving feature.

The leaks also discussed Apple’s smart home ambitions, including the presence of an Apple Home Hub device that has surfaced in previous rumors.

The details of the flags are certainly signs that Apple is still working on improving its operating systems, sometimes testing years in advance of the feature’s eventual release. This is to be expected from a major corporation with billions of dollars at stake.

However, as demonstrated by the delays in releasing new Siri, there’s always a possibility of features being delayed and pushed into a much later release than first expected.