Apple is reportedly preparing for a significant software overhaul with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, marking one of the most substantial design changes in years. This redesign is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. While Apple has maintained a relatively consistent visual style since iOS 7’s radical shift in 2013 and macOS Big Sur’s update in 2020, the company now aims to modernize its interface with elements inspired by visionOS, the operating system used in the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Major Design Overhaul
The new software update will introduce a streamlined look, making navigation more intuitive across Apple’s entire ecosystem. According to reports, changes will include redesigned icons, menus, apps, and system buttons to create a more cohesive and visually appealing experience. Apple has reportedly been working on this redesign for several years, and insiders suggest that it will bring a futuristic, sleek aesthetic that aligns with the company's broader vision for its products. Some features could take inspiration from visionOS, incorporating translucent menus and layered depth effects for a more immersive experience.
For macOS 16, the redesign is expected to further refine the user experience by improving multitasking features, window management, and cross-device integration with iPhones and iPads. Apple is likely to introduce smoother animations, updated widgets, and potential enhancements to Control Center, making it easier for users to access essential settings.
AI Features and Siri Enhancements
While the visual refresh is a major highlight, Apple is also working on enhancing its AI capabilities, particularly with Siri. However, reports indicate that the rollout of these AI-powered features has been delayed, and they may not debut until late 2025 or even with iOS 20. The AI updates are expected to focus on improving Siri’s conversational abilities, allowing for more natural interactions and deeper integration across Apple’s ecosystem.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has suggested that Apple is taking a cautious approach to AI, prioritizing reliability over rushing new features to market. Unlike competitors such as Google and OpenAI, which have aggressively expanded AI functionalities, Apple is ensuring that its AI solutions are deeply embedded into iOS rather than being standalone features. This slow rollout has raised concerns about whether Apple is falling behind in the AI race, particularly as rivals continue to push advanced generative AI capabilities.
The delayed AI features reportedly include a new Siri powered by a large language model (LLM) backend, which was initially planned for iOS 18.4 but has now been pushed back. Additionally, while iOS 19 is expected to expand Apple Intelligence across more apps, it may not introduce any groundbreaking AI innovations.
WWDC 2025 and Expected Announcements
Apple is expected to officially unveil iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 at WWDC 2025, which is typically held in June. Alongside these software updates, the company may provide insights into its AI strategy and how it plans to enhance user experience across devices. With a renewed focus on design and usability, Apple aims to create a seamless and visually stunning interface that aligns with modern user expectations.
While many details remain speculative, Apple’s upcoming software updates could mark a turning point in how its devices interact with users. Whether the company will successfully balance design innovation with AI advancements remains to be seen, but anticipation for iOS 19 and macOS 16 is already building as WWDC approaches.
