Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant redesign of its operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. According to a report from Bloomberg, the upcoming updates, which include iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, are set to be unveiled at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. These updates promise to deliver a radically different look, featuring extensive changes to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.
This update, described by Bloomberg as one of the most dramatic software overhauls in Apple’s history, aims to simplify the user experience. The redesign focuses on enhancing control and navigation across devices, while also striving to create a more cohesive design that unifies the look of apps and icons across different platforms. This is particularly important, as variations in appearance can lead to user confusion and frustration.
Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg reveals that the new design is loosely modeled after the software interface of the Vision Pro, Apple’s recently launched mixed-reality headset. Released in 2023, the Vision Pro received a mixed reception, but its VisionOS features rounded icons, a sleeker window system, and a pronounced emphasis on depth and shadows, setting a new design standard for Apple’s operating systems.
This major redesign comes at a crucial time for Apple, as the company navigates challenges in its sales performance. Recently, Apple reported a 1% dip in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, falling short of market expectations. Additionally, delays in the rollout of an advanced AI-powered Siri could further impact sales, especially as competitors accelerate their own AI initiatives. The focus on a redesigned user interface at WWDC may shift attention away from Apple's AI developments.
The Bloomberg report indicates that this forthcoming redesign will be the largest since iOS 7 was introduced in 2013 and the most significant update to macOS since the Big Sur operating system launched in 2020. This underscores Apple’s commitment to not only update its hardware but also to enhance the user experience across its software platforms.
Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at market research firm IDC, commented on the necessity of these changes. Although iPadOS has advanced significantly over the years, many newer features remain hidden from everyday users, complicating the overall user experience. Ubrani emphasized that a substantial redesign of iPadOS could potentially improve product uptake. He also noted that updates to macOS and iOS are essential for modernizing the look and feel of these operating systems.
Despite these anticipated changes, Ubrani cautioned that a redesign alone may not drive sales. Instead, the primary goal should be to deliver a seamless and consistent experience across all Apple platforms, reinforcing the brand's commitment to user satisfaction.
