Apple is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the iPhone design with iOS 19. According to reports, the update will be the biggest visual and functional redesign since iOS 7. In addition to new icons, revised menus and optimized navigation, the focus is on deeper integration between iPhone, iPad and Mac. The update is intended to make the Apple ecosystem more modern and unified. Some design elements come from visionOS, the operating system of the Apple Vision Pro. Nevertheless, iOS 19 is not directly based on it, but only takes up certain concepts. The official presentation is expected at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2025. This will be followed by a test phase before the update is released to all users in the fall.
Design updates at Apple are rare. The last major overhaul was with iOS 7 in 2013, when the company switched from plastic icons and shadow effects to a flat, minimalist design. Since then, the interfaces have been optimized again and again, but never fundamentally changed. Now a major update is coming with iOS 19. Apple not only wants to modernize the design, but also simplify operation. At the same time, the update could help to increase interest in new iPhones, iPads and Macs, especially at a time when hardware innovations are progressing more slowly (via Bloomberg).
The most important new features of iOS 19
Completely revised design
iOS 19 brings a new design language for icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons. The changes are intended to go beyond pure aesthetics and make operation more intuitive. The goal is to make navigation on iPhones, iPads and Macs easier and more consistent.
influences of visionOS
Some visual elements from visionOS are carried over into iOS 19. These include round app icons with more transparency, a reduced navigation system and increased use of 3D elements. However, it is emphasized that iOS 19 is only loosely based on visionOS and is not a direct offshoot of it.
Simplified navigation and control
Apple plans to make the user interface clearer. The following changes could be made:
- Revised gesture control for faster operation
- New design for the control center with more customization options
- Improved multitasking features for iPhones with larger displays
Unified ecosystem for iPhone, iPad and Mac
iOS 19 is not being developed in isolation, but simultaneously with iPadOS 19 and macOS 16. The goal is a uniform design across all platforms. This should make it easier for users to switch between devices. Possible improvements include:
- More uniform icons and menus for all Apple devices
- Closer integration of macOS and iOS, e.g. Handoff and AirDrop
- More synchronization options for apps and settings
Strategic background of the update
In addition to the design overhaul, iOS 19 could also serve to distract from delays in Apple Intelligence. The original plan was to introduce new Siri features with artificial intelligence, but these will not be fully available until later. Through the visual redesign, Apple could draw attention to the new system and keep expectations high for future AI features.
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When will iOS 19 be released?
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 19 at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This will be followed by a beta phase lasting several months for developers and volunteer testers. The final version will be released to all users in fall 2025.
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iOS 19: The biggest design update in years
iOS 19 will be the biggest design update in over a decade. Apple is relying on a more modern, intuitive interface with influences from visionOS. At the same time, operation should be simplified and the interaction between iPhone, iPad and Mac should be improved. Official details will be available at WWDC 2025. Until then, it remains to be seen what other innovations Apple will present. But one thing is certain: iOS 19 will be one of the most exciting updates in recent years. (Photo by Elkov / Bigstockphoto)
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