Apple enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a transformative experience. Recent reports indicate that Apple is gearing up for a significant redesign of its operating systems—iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.
This overhaul aims to create a more cohesive and intuitive user experience across all Apple devices.
A Unified Design Language
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the forthcoming updates will “fundamentally change” the appearance of Apple’s operating systems.
This transformation includes revamping icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.
The objective is to simplify navigation and ensure consistency across platforms, drawing inspiration from visionOS, the software powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Historical Context: Past Redesigns
Apple’s last major design overhaul for iOS occurred with iOS 7 in 2013, which introduced a flatter and more minimalist aesthetic, moving away from skeuomorphism.
For macOS, a significant redesign came with macOS Big Sur in 2020, bringing a refreshed interface with new icons and improved window designs.
The upcoming changes in iOS 19 and macOS 16 are anticipated to be the most substantial since these pivotal updates.
Influence of visionOS
The design philosophy of visionOS, utilized in Apple’s Vision Pro headset, appears to be a guiding force behind these changes.
VisionOS emphasizes intuitive navigation through sight and gestures, offering a seamless blend of digital content with the physical world.
By aligning iOS and macOS design elements with visionOS, Apple aims to provide users with a more integrated and immersive experience across devices.
MACRUMORS
Anticipated Features and Enhancements
While specific details remain under wraps, several potential features and enhancements have been speculated:
- Redesigned Camera App: Rumors suggest that iOS 19 may introduce a revamped Camera app, offering a more user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality.
- Enhanced Siri Capabilities: There is speculation that Siri could receive significant upgrades, potentially incorporating AI-driven features similar to ChatGPT, thereby enhancing its conversational abilities and contextual understanding.
- Apple Intelligence Integration: Building upon the AI features introduced in previous updates, iOS 19 and macOS 16 might further integrate Apple Intelligence, offering smarter suggestions and more personalized user experiences.
- Consistency Across Devices: The redesign aims to ensure that actions performed on one device work similarly across all Apple platforms, reducing confusion and enhancing usability.
Skeuomorphism: A Possible Comeback?
The shift from skeuomorphic designs in iOS 7 marked a move towards a flatter aesthetic. However, some users have expressed nostalgia for design elements that resemble real-world objects, as they can provide intuitive cues about an app’s functionality.
While it’s uncertain whether Apple will reintroduce skeuomorphism, blending realistic elements with modern design could enhance usability without appearing outdated.
WWDC 2025: The Unveiling Event
Apple traditionally showcases its latest software developments at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held annually in June.
Although the exact date for WWDC 2025 has yet to be announced, it is expected that Apple will unveil iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 during this event, providing developers and users with a glimpse into the future of Apple’s software ecosystem.
Our Request: Balancing Innovation with Familiarity
As Apple embarks on this ambitious redesign, we hope the company strikes a balance between innovation and familiarity. While modernizing the interface is essential, retaining intuitive elements that users have grown accustomed to can ease the transition and maintain usability.
For instance, while the traditional phone icon resembles a 20th-century handset, it remains a universally recognized symbol for calling. Thoughtful consideration of such elements can ensure that the new design is both fresh and user-friendly.
