Apple is preparing for one of the most significant design overhauls in years for its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. According to Bloomberg, the upcoming updates—iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16—will bring significant visual and functional changes to modernize the interface and improve the user experience.
The revamp will impact various elements of Apple's software, including menus, apps, windows, and system buttons. The main goal of these changes is to create a more streamlined and consistent design language throughout Apple's ecosystem, making navigation easier and interactions more fluid. While the improvements will not merge Apple's different operating systems, they will offer a level of consistency that aligns with the company's evolving design philosophy.
The new look is heavily influenced by visionOS, the operating system that powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. Apple seems to be incorporating visionOS elements like circular icons and translucent panels into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to give them a more modern and futuristic appearance. This marks a shift toward a more fluid and immersive user interface, potentially making Apple's devices feel more interconnected.
According to Bloomberg, this redesign will be the biggest since the introduction of macOS Big Sur and iOS's most important change since the release of iOS 7. The last version was a landmark update that introduced a flat, minimalistic look to replace the skeuomorphic design of previous versions. With iOS 19, Apple might be once again trying to refine the aesthetics and functionality of its mobile operating system.
Alan Dye, Apple's Vice President of Human Interface Design, is leading the redesign efforts, which are a significant focus for the company's software and user interface teams. This signals Apple's commitment to improving the user experience via intentional design changes that enhance both aesthetics and usefulness.
Apple is expected to reveal these updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is normally held in June. While Apple hasn't yet announced an official date for the event, WWDC is an important platform for Apple to showcase its latest software advancements and engage with the developer community.
As excitement grows for these major changes, Apple users can expect fresh and positive designs that improve usability while keeping the company's distinctive elegance. The upcoming changes could set the future of Apple's software ecosystem, reinforcing its reputation for design innovation.