Apple is preparing for one of the most significant software overhauls in its history, aiming to modernize the interface of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac for a new generation of users.
The update, set to launch later this year, will introduce a redesigned look for icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons, making Apple’s software platforms more consistent across devices. Inspired by the Vision Pro’s interface, the changes will simplify navigation and enhance usability.
These upgrades, part of iOS 19, iPadOS 19 (code-named “Luck”), and macOS 16 (“Cheer”), represent the most significant update to the Mac since Big Sur in 2020 and the iPhone since iOS 7 in 2013.
Apple is betting on this redesign to boost demand after a slowdown in revenue, particularly following a decline in iPhone sales during the last holiday season. The update is expected to be a major highlight at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
While the goal is to unify the look and feel of Apple’s operating systems, the company will not merge them, believing that keeping macOS and iPadOS separate enhances the user experience and encourages customers to own multiple devices.
The redesign effort is led by Alan Dye, Apple’s software design chief, and has become a key focus for the company. However, Apple’s software changes often spark mixed reactions, as seen with past updates to the Photos app. With more than 2 billion active devices, this overhaul carries high stakes for the company.
