Apple is gearing up for its most significant user interface (UI) overhaul in years with the upcoming releases of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, introducing a refreshed design that promises a more modern, unified, and intuitive experience across all devices.
The redesign is being led by Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design, and has become a top priority for the company’s software and UI teams. The update will bring changes to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons, simplifying navigation and making Apple’s platforms more consistent.
A VisionOS-Inspired Aesthetic
According to reports, the new design language takes inspiration from VisionOS, the operating system used in Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset. Users can expect circular icons, translucent panels, and a smoother, more immersive UI, making the experience feel more cohesive across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Bloomberg sources suggest that the redesign will be showcased for the first time at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where developers and users will get a glimpse of how Apple is rethinking its software design.
A Major Shift Since iOS 7 & macOS Big Sur
This marks one of the most dramatic UI updates in Apple’s history, comparable to:
• iOS 7 (2013), which replaced skeuomorphic design with a flat, minimalistic look
• macOS Big Sur (2020), which introduced redesigned icons, a revamped control center, and better integration with iPads and Apple’s custom silicon
With iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, Apple is expected to introduce an even more refined aesthetic that blends elements of past designs with modern visual effects and usability enhancements.
Apple Intelligence & Siri Updates on the Horizon
While the UI refresh is a key highlight, Apple is also continuing its work on artificial intelligence. The company introduced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18, but many AI-powered features—including an upgraded Siri capable of autonomously using apps—have yet to roll out. Apple is expected to integrate more advanced AI capabilities in the upcoming updates, potentially making iOS 19 a game-changer for Apple’s software ecosystem.
As anticipation builds, Apple fans and developers will be watching closely at WWDC 2025, where the company will reveal just how far it’s pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in its next-generation operating systems.