Apple is apparently facing one of the biggest visual overhauls of iOS since the introduction of iOS 7. Several sources agree that iOS 19 will have a new design that is heavily influenced by visionOS - the operating system of the Apple Vision Pro. Particularly striking are transparent menus, revised icons and an overall more modern user interface. But what exactly will change? What details are already known? And when will iOS 19 be available?
Rumors of a major design change in iOS have been around for some time, but now the evidence is mounting. The first reports came from Israeli website The Verifier, which originally said iOS 18 would be the date for the redesign. But now the plans seem to have been pushed back a year. Additional confirmation came from Jon Prosser, who showed renderings of a redesigned camera app in a video, and from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who described Apple's software plans in more detail. His report confirms that iOS 19 will receive a major visual overhaul.
iOS 19 features a new design
According to Gurman, Apple will fundamentally change the design of iOS 19. The revision includes not only new app icons, but also the entire navigation, menus, system buttons and windows. The aim is to standardize the appearance of the Apple platforms. The redesign is based on visionOS, which will be reflected in the following aspects:
- Transparent menus: Elements could no longer be fixed on a background, but be slightly translucent.
- New app icons: There is speculation that Apple might change the shape of the icons, possibly from square with rounded corners to round.
- More modern animations: Transitions and effects should appear smoother and more natural.
- Simplified controls: The controls could be more intuitive, with new gestures and improved navigation options.
One of the biggest questions remains whether iOS 19 will actually get round app icons. While visionOS already uses this design, Apple has not yet given any official indications. Gurman mentioned that visionOS uses round icons, but left it open whether this change will also be adopted for the iPhone.
New camera app with revised interface
Another detail that has already leaked out concerns the camera app. Jon Prosser presented renderings of a redesigned app with transparent menus and a clean user interface. If Apple really redesigns the camera app in this way, it could be an indication that many other system apps will also get a new design. This could affect the settings, messages and photos apps, among others.
When will iOS 19 be released?
Apple is expected to officially present iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 in June. Immediately after the presentation, the first beta version will be released to developers. A few weeks later, a public beta version will follow, which will be accessible to all interested users. The final release is expected in September 2025, to coincide with the launch of the new iPhone models.
iOS 19 could be the biggest design update since iOS 7
iOS 19 could be the biggest design update in years. The strong reliance on visionOS promises a more modern, transparent user interface with new app icons, revised menus and more intuitive controls. Not all details are known yet, but the information so far suggests that Apple will fundamentally change the look of iOS. The question of whether iOS 19 will actually switch to round app icons remains particularly exciting. More clarity will be available in June 2025 at the latest, when Apple officially presents the new iOS. Until then, it remains to be seen what other leaks and rumors will emerge. Our Amazon Storefront: The best products for your smart home and much more! (Image: Apple)
