iOS 19 Set to Feature Major Upgrades: Rounder Design, Updated User Interface, Simplified Navigation, and More

Recent reports indicate that Apple is gearing up for significant changes to the software that runs on its iPhone and iPad devices. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has shared insights suggesting that iOS and iPadOS are set to undergo a major redesign aimed at creating a more cohesive look and feel across different devices. Sources familiar with Apple’s plans indicate that this overhaul will result in a uniform user interface (UI) that features updated icons, buttons, windows, menus, and apps.

The anticipated updates will most likely be unveiled later this year, coinciding with the expected launch of iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 in September, along with the iPhone 17 series. This new design philosophy is reportedly inspired by the interface of Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which could pave the way for the introduction of more rounded elements in the overall design. Apple’s aim with this redesign is to enhance usability, making it easier for users to navigate and control their devices.

A key driving factor behind this significant software shift is not the pursuit of artificial intelligence, as some might assume, but rather financial considerations. The company recently experienced a slowdown in iPhone sales, which are crucial to its revenue and by extension affect sales of apps and services like Apple Music and Apple News+. The performance of the iPhone also plays a role in the sales of other products, including the Apple Watch.

Internally, Apple has nicknamed iOS 19 “Lucky,” and this update is expected to mark its most substantial change since the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013. Under the guidance of Apple’s former design chief Jony Ive, iOS 7 was a significant departure from its predecessor, moving away from skeuomorphism—the technique of using real-world imagery to design digital interfaces. For instance, earlier versions of apps featured icons that resembled traditional objects, like a television for YouTube or a notepad for the Notes app.

Apple is set to showcase iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 in June during the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Gurman has also reported that we’ll see a new “Siri architecture” during the same event. Planned enhancements to Siri are expected to arrive later with iOS 19.4 in June 2026. These improvements could introduce “Personal Siri,” allowing the assistant to sift through a user’s emails and messages. This feature aims to facilitate tasks such as retrieving specific details, like reminders about picking someone up from the airport.

In summary, Apple’s imminent redesign for iOS and iPadOS represents a strategic move to streamline user experiences across its devices. This initiative reflects not just a responsive approach to changing market dynamics and consumer expectations but also showcases Apple’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation in software design.