Apple’s Biggest iOS and macOS Redesign in a Decade | Image Source: techcrunch.com
CUPERTINO, California, March 11, 2025 – Apple is preparing for one of its most important software upgrades in years, with iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 expecting radical visual changes. According to Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources, these updates will examine icons, menus, applications, windows and system buttons while simplifying navigation and user control.
The remodeling would be inspired by visionOS, the operating system that empowers Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This means that users can expect circular icons, translucent panels and a modern user interface that unifies appearance and sensations across Apple devices. With the consistency of the software as the main objective, Apple aims to make the transition between iPhones, iPads, Mats and Vision Pro a perfect experience.
Why is Apple now reviewing their operating systems?
The last time Apple made a radical design change was with iOS 7 in 2013, when the company moved from esqueuomorphic elements to a more flat and minimalist aesthetic. More than a decade later, Apple seems ready for another transformation.
According to Bloomberg, this review is one of the most ambitious changes in Apple’s history. Redesign efforts, known internally as “Luck” for iOS and iPadOS, and “Cheer” for macOS, are led by Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President for Human Interface Design.
With slow iPhone sales and mixed reactions to Apple Intelligence, the company can expect a refreshing design to revive interest in its devices. A new user interface can be a point of sale, encouraging existing users to update and attract new customers looking for a new experience.
What design changes can users expect?
Although details remain secret, Bloomberg suggests Apple’s new operating system introduces several key elements:
- New Icons: Expect more rounded, modern app icons similar to those seen in visionOS.
- Updated Menus: A refined approach to system menus may improve navigation and ease of use.
- Translucent UI Elements: Apple will likely use transparent panels, enhancing the visual experience.
- System Button Changes: Buttons may adopt a more fluid, touch-friendly design.
- Revamped Apps: Built-in apps could see significant interface changes to align with the new aesthetic.
In general, the changes are designed to unify the Apple software ecosystem, making each platform more connected while improving user interaction.
How do Vision Pro-OS 19 and MacOS 16 influence?
Apple Pro Vision, which introduced views with its floating windows and immersive user interface, seems to model the next evolution of Apple’s operating systems. Vision OS promotes depth, transparency and circular icons - elements that will now extend to iPhones, iPads and Mams.
The objective seems to be coherence between the devices. Whether you use a Vision Pro helmet or an iPhone, the experience must be intuitive and familiar. Apple’s movement to align its software design across platforms could also help developers create apps that work perfectly across multiple devices.
Will Apple Merge its Operating Systems?
Despite the design similarities, Apple does not plan to merge iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS into a single operating system. According to Bloomberg, each platform will remain different, meeting the unique needs of their respective devices.
However, the unification of design can introduce more multiplatform features, allowing users to change more easily between devices without reducing different interfaces. Features such as universal control, Handoff integration and iCloud could become even more perfect under the new user interface paradigm.
When Apple reveals iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16?
Apple will announce these important updates at its annual World Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. This event traditionally serves as a platform for unveiling new software, with developers bets launched shortly thereafter and a public release coming in the fall.
Historically, Apple provides an early overview of the following software, giving developers time to optimize their applications. Given the scale of this redesign, Apple can encourage developers to adapt their interfaces to fit the new aesthetic before the official version.
For consumers, renewed operating systems will probably start with iPhone 17 alignment in September, bringing the new visual experience to millions of users worldwide.
What does this mean to Apple users?
A review of the user interface of this magnitude could have a significant impact on how users interact with Apple devices. While some may welcome the new look, others may find it difficult to adapt to changes in navigation and design.
Apple’s challenge will balance innovation and familiarity. If it works well, the redesign could give a new life to the company’s software ecosystem, creating a more attractive and user-friendly experience.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s decision to renew its OS design stems from a desire to modernize its software, make transitions between unsealed devices and potentially boost hardware sales. If this bet pays off, it remains to be seen, but it is clear that iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 will mark an important step in the evolution of Apple’s design.
With WWDC 2025 just a few months away, Apple fans won’t have to wait long to see the future of their favorite devices.
