Apple is reportedly gearing up for a major redesign of its operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. According to Bloomberg, the upcoming iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16—set to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June—will introduce one of the most significant software overhauls in the company’s history. The update is expected to dramatically change the look and feel of Apple’s platforms, with refinements to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system controls.
A Cohesive Design Inspired by Vision Pro
The redesign is aimed at simplifying the user experience, making Apple’s ecosystem more intuitive and visually unified across devices. Currently, there are noticeable differences in app layouts and icons depending on the device, but Apple is looking to bring more cohesion to its platforms. The updated design is reportedly inspired by VisionOS, the operating system used in Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.
VisionOS, launched in 2023, introduced a sleeker interface with rounded icons, an updated window management system, and a greater emphasis on depth and shadows. If iOS, iPadOS, and macOS adopt similar elements, users can expect a more modern and dynamic interface.
Apple has yet to officially comment on the changes, but sources familiar with the matter indicate that this could be the most significant iOS redesign since iOS 7 in 2013 and the biggest macOS update since Big Sur in 2020.
Addressing a Changing Market
Apple’s decision to overhaul its software comes at a time when the company is looking for ways to reinvigorate interest in its products. Recent financial reports showed a 1% decline in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, falling short of expectations. Additionally, Apple’s AI-powered Siri enhancements have faced delays, while competitors like Google and Microsoft have aggressively advanced their own AI offerings.
The redesign could serve as a way to shift attention away from Apple’s AI struggles at WWDC and refocus excitement on an updated and refined software experience. However, analysts suggest that a new look alone may not be enough to boost hardware sales.
Simplifying the iPad Experience
One of the biggest areas of focus for this redesign is iPadOS. Over the years, Apple has introduced advanced features like Stage Manager and multitasking tools, but many of these functions remain hidden or underutilized by users.
According to Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at market research firm IDC, Apple’s interface changes could significantly improve user adoption of iPads by making the software more intuitive and accessible.
“iPadOS has become more advanced, but many of its newer features aren’t immediately obvious to users. If Apple can successfully simplify the experience, it could make the product more appealing,” Ubrani said.
A Modernized Apple Ecosystem
Apple’s efforts to streamline macOS, iOS, and iPadOS align with its broader strategy to create a more seamless ecosystem. While past updates have focused on performance, privacy, and AI integration, this redesign signals a renewed emphasis on visual and functional coherence across devices.
With WWDC 2025 just a few months away, Apple users eagerly await what could be one of the most dramatic software transformations in the company’s history. Whether this redesign will be enough to reignite excitement around Apple’s products remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the tech giant is ready to rethink its approach to software design.
