Could Apple finally be ready to shake up the iPhone’s look and feel in a way we haven’t seen for years? Whispers and alleged leaks surrounding the design of iOS 19 are painting a picture of a significant visual overhaul, potentially signaling a fresh chapter for the world’s most popular mobile operating system. While official confirmation remains under wraps until Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, the details emerging from usually reliable sources suggest that the tech giant might have stumbled upon a winning formula by embracing a bold new aesthetic.
For years, iOS has maintained a relatively consistent design language, evolving gradually with subtle refinements. While this approach has fostered familiarity and ease of use, some users have yearned for a more dramatic visual refresh. It appears their wishes might be granted with iOS 19. Recent reports, notably from tipster Jon Prosser on the FrontPageTech channel, showcase mockups based on what are claimed to be leaked internal builds of Apple’s upcoming software. These mockups point towards a user interface that draws significant inspiration from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
One of the most striking potential changes is the introduction of redesigned app icons. For as long as most iPhone users can remember, iOS icons have been characterized by their square shape with rounded corners – a design often referred to as “squircle.” However, the alleged iOS 19 leaks suggest a move towards significantly rounder icons, though not quite fully circular like those found on some Android devices. These new icons, if the leaks prove accurate, could lend a softer and more contemporary feel to the iPhone’s home screen, marking a departure from the established visual identity.
Beyond the icons, the leaks highlight a potential overhaul of the in-app user interface elements. A key change appears to be the introduction of a “floating” tab view, reminiscent of the design seen in visionOS applications. Instead of being anchored firmly at the bottom of the screen, these tab bars would seemingly hover slightly above the edge, creating a sense of depth and visual intrigue. Mockups have shown this design element potentially appearing in core Apple apps like Photos, App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Messages, and Phone. This subtle shift could not only enhance the visual appeal but also potentially improve one-handed usability by bringing key navigation elements slightly closer to the user’s thumb.
The influence of visionOS doesn’t stop there. Several reports indicate that iOS 19 might embrace a more translucent, “glassy” design aesthetic throughout the interface. This could manifest in various ways, including subtle transparency effects in menus, buttons, and notifications. Such a design choice could add a layer of visual richness and sophistication, creating a sense of depth and layering within the user interface. Apple has already offered glimpses of this design direction in some of its recent software releases, such as the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18 and the Invites app, suggesting a deliberate move towards this aesthetic.
Furthermore, the leaks suggest that even the Lock Screen might receive a visual touch-up. The iconic Flashlight and Camera shortcuts at the bottom of the Lock Screen could feature a subtle shimmer or lighting effect that responds to the iPhone’s movement. This seemingly small detail could add a touch of dynamism and interactivity to the lock screen experience, making it feel more alive and engaging.
Another notable design update reportedly in the works is a pill-shaped tab bar. This design element is expected to appear in several of Apple’s native applications, offering a visually distinct way to navigate between different sections within an app. The mockups suggest that in apps like the App Store, the Search tab might feature a stretched search bar with a circular button for quickly restoring the full tab bar view. This could streamline navigation and make it easier for users to access different parts of an app with a single hand.
Beyond these major changes, the leaks also point towards a general trend of softer, more rounded corners across the entire iOS 19 interface. This subtle refinement could be seen in areas like the Haptic Touch menus that appear when long-pressing app icons, as well as the volume and brightness sliders in the Control Center. Even access prompts for the camera and microphone are said to feature a refreshed appearance, aligning with the overall visual updates. This consistent application of rounded corners could contribute to a more cohesive and visually harmonious user experience.
While these leaked details paint an exciting picture of a potentially redesigned iOS, it’s crucial to approach them with a degree of caution. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a highly respected source for Apple-related news, recently weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the images circulating online might not be entirely representative of what Apple will ultimately unveil at WWDC. According to Gurman, these mockups could be based on older builds of iOS 19 or vague descriptions, potentially missing key features and nuances of the final design.
Despite this cautionary note, the consistency of the leaked information across multiple sources does suggest that Apple is indeed exploring significant design changes for iOS 19. The reported inspiration from visionOS makes logical sense, as Apple likely aims to create a more unified design language across its various platforms. Introducing elements from visionOS into iOS could help bridge the gap between traditional 2D interfaces and the immersive world of spatial computing.
The potential shift towards rounder icons and a more translucent interface could also be seen as a response to evolving design trends in the broader tech industry. Many modern user interfaces are embracing softer, more organic shapes and incorporating subtle visual effects to create a sense of depth and polish. By adopting these trends, Apple could be aiming to make iOS feel more contemporary and visually appealing to a wider audience.
The anticipation surrounding the official unveiling of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 on June 9th is already building. Developers and Apple enthusiasts are eager to see if these leaked design details materialize and what other surprises Apple might have in store. The first developer beta of iOS 19 is expected to be released shortly after the keynote, providing a tangible glimpse into the future of the iPhone experience. The public rollout of iOS 19 is likely to follow in September, coinciding with the launch of the next generation of iPhones.
If the leaked design changes prove to be accurate, iOS 19 could represent the most significant visual overhaul of the iPhone operating system in years. By drawing inspiration from visionOS and embracing a more modern aesthetic, Apple might have finally found a winning formula to revitalize the iPhone’s user interface and usher in a fresh and exciting era for its massive user base. The question now is whether these leaks truly reflect Apple’s final vision or if the company has even more surprises up its sleeve. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely when Apple takes the stage at WWDC to reveal the future of iOS.
