Apple users could be in for a significant visual change later this year as rumors suggest a major UI overhaul for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. If true, this will be the biggest redesign since iOS 7 in 2013 and will replace some of the iPhone-like elements that were introduced to macOS with the Big Sur update in 2020.
The Origin of the Rumors
The speculation began when Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple analyst, reported that Apple is working on a redesign aimed at making its operating systems more uniform. Gurman, who has a reliable track record of sourcing information from Apple insiders, claims that this overhaul will bring a more consistent look across Apple devices.
However, Apple has not commented on the rumors, making it difficult to confirm any details. While there is no official announcement yet, Gurman’s reports suggest that this change is a strong possibility for late 2025.
What Will Change?
According to the leaks, Apple is not just refining the current iOS and macOS design but is instead shifting towards a look inspired by visionOS—the operating system used in the Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
VisionOS is not a drastic departure from Apple’s usual design philosophy but enhances it with transparency effects, rounded corners, and a clean, minimalistic interface. The UI mainly consists of a grayscale palette, allowing app icons to stand out with pops of color. One of the most notable changes in visionOS is its circular app icons, which resemble Android’s design in some ways. If these elements are introduced into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, users can expect a sleeker, more modern aesthetic.
Why This Change?
Apple has spent years making macOS resemble iOS, and the 2020 Big Sur update was a significant step in that direction. Now, this shift towards visionOS elements may seem unexpected. Some analysts believe Apple may have planned this all along—first testing the new UI with the Vision Pro before rolling it out to its main platforms.
Another possibility is that Apple wants a seamless experience across devices, particularly for users who mirror their Mac screens to Vision Pro. If Apple envisions mixed reality as the future, a consistent UI across all platforms makes sense.
A Distraction from AI Setbacks?
Some speculate that Apple’s push for a UI overhaul might also serve as a strategic move to divert attention from its struggles with AI. Apple’s artificial intelligence plans have faced multiple delays, including the much-anticipated Siri upgrade, which has reportedly been postponed by at least a year. In a competitive market dominated by AI advancements, a major UI redesign could help Apple maintain an image of innovation while it continues to work on AI development.
Expected Timeline
Gurman suggests that the redesign will be introduced with iOS 19 and macOS 16 later in 2025. However, given the scale of the change, some experts question whether Apple can implement such a significant overhaul within this timeframe. If the redesign does happen, Apple is likely to announce it at WWDC 2025, its annual developer conference.
While this UI redesign remains a rumor, it carries significant implications for Apple users. If Apple does adopt a visionOS-inspired look, it will mark a major shift in the company’s design strategy. However, until an official announcement is made, all we can do is wait and watch for further developments at WWDC 2025.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo and MacRumors.
