Apple is reportedly preparing a significant redesign of the operating systems for the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Bloomberg reports that iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and MacOS 16 – set to be unveiled at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June – will look radically different, with changes involving everything from the icons, menus and apps to the windows and system buttons.
The update, which the Bloomberg report called "one of the most dramatic software overhauls in the company's history," aims to simplify the user experience, particularly in how devices are controlled and navigated. It also seeks to create a more cohesive design across platforms, as some apps and icons vary depending on the device.
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Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg said the design is "loosely" based on the software interface of Vision Pro, the company's mixed-reality headset.
Apple launched Vision Pro back in 2023 to mixed reception. VisionOS features more rounded icons, a sleeker window system and a greater emphasis on depth and shadows compared to iOS and macOS.
A representative for Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
The overhaul comes at a time when Apple is looking for ways to reinvigorate its products. The company recently reported a 1% dip in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, falling short of expectations. Meanwhile, delays in the rollout of an advanced AI-powered Siri could impact sales further, as competitors accelerate their own AI efforts.The redesign could also shift focus away from Apple's AI initiatives at WWDC in June.
The report said it would mark the biggest redesign of iOS since iOS 7 in 2013 and the most significant macOS update since the Big Sur operating system was released in 2020.
Redesigning a complicated user experience
Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at market research firm IDC, noted that although iPadOS has become more advanced over the years, many of the newer features are somewhat hidden from daily users and other interface elements complicate the user experience.
"If Apple is able to redesign the iPadOS significantly, it could potentially improve uptake of the product," he said.
Ubrani also argued that MacOS and iOS changes are still needed to help modernize the look and feel of the operating systems.
But Ubrani doesn't necessarily believe this will help drive sales alone. The focus, rather, is to better provide a seamless and consistent experience on any platform, he said.