The last time Apple completely overhauled the iPhone's operating system was with iOS 7 in 2013. It appears as though 12 years has been long enough. Apple is reportedly preparing a major visual overhaul for iPhones with iOS 19, as well as big changes for iPads and Macs with new operating systems of their own.
According to a report this week from Bloomberg, Apple has been working on “one of the most dramatic software overhauls in the company’s history.” The update will include new design aesthetics along with new icons, a fresh approach to menus, new system buttons, and it’ll even change how apps work.
Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg reported the new software design — codenamed “Luck” on iOS and iPadOS, and “Cheer” for macOS 16 — is loosely based on the Apple Vision Pro.
Consistency across operating systems appears to be the goal for Apple, with Bloomberg noting the company wants swapping between systems to be a more seamless experience. Since Apple intends to borrow design elements from the Vision Pro, it seems that Apple wants all of its operating systems to look similar to one another.
Bloomberg noted that Apple is likely hoping a fresh design will generate some hype and sales. Sales for Apple’s iPhone 16 series have been relatively sluggish and consumers have had a lukewarm reception to Apple Intelligence.
Mark Gurman at Bloomberg typically hits the nail on the head with Apple news, and this is not the first time a major software overhaul has been rumored. Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech first surfaced the rumor a month ago, showing off an iOS with circular icons and other changes in a YouTube video. Gurman’s report seems to correlate with what Prosser said, lending more weight to the idea that rumors of a revamped iOS 19 are true.
Fortunately, people won’t have to wait long. Bloomberg reports that the changes should be announced at this year’s WWDC event this summer.
