Apple is planning a major redesign of its operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 will be unveiled at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The update is described as “one of the most dramatic software overhauls in the company’s history.” It aims to simplify the user experience, especially in device control and navigation.
The new design is loosely based on the software interface of Vision Pro, which Apple launched in 2023. VisionOS features more rounded icons, a sleeker window system, and a greater emphasis on depth and shadows compared to existing versions of iOS and macOS. Top Apple executives believe that users will appreciate the new look and feel.
They aim to create interfaces that are “simpler to use, faster to navigate, and easier to learn.”
The overhaul comes as Apple looks for ways to reinvigorate its products.
Dramatic overhaul aims to simplify navigation
The company recently reported a 1% dip in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, falling short of expectations.
Analyst Jitesh Ubrani from market research firm IDC noted that although iPadOS has become more advanced over the years, many newer features are somewhat hidden from daily users. This complicates the user experience. “If Apple is able to redesign iPadOS significantly, it could potentially improve uptake of the product,” Ubrani said.
He also suggested that while changes to macOS and iOS are needed to modernize their look and feel, they won’t necessarily drive sales alone. Instead, the focus should be on providing a seamless and consistent experience across all platforms. This redesign is expected to mark the biggest change to iOS since iOS 7 in 2013 and the most significant update to macOS since the release of Big Sur in 2020.
Whether or not this will help boost sales, it is a clear move to enhance user experience across Apple’s range of devices.
Photo by; Jonas Elia on Unsplash
