Apple to redesign user interfaces

Apple users are in for a revolution. According to a report, the company is preparing fundamental changes to the user interfaces of iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The new design is based on the Vision Pro software, although consumers are not exactly ripping the headset out of Apple's hands.

This was reported by Bloomberg, citing unnamed Apple insiders. The changes will therefore take effect with iOS version 19 and iPadOS 19 as well as macOS 16. There is no official confirmation from Apple, but no denial either.

The planned changes will go much deeper than just a new design language and aesthetic changes, such as the round icons and transparent windows that are common on Vision Pros. Apple wants to change navigation and device management to make them simpler, says Bloomberg, which writes of “one of the most dramatic software overhauls in Apple's history”.

Apple is making a name for itself

The economic background is the hope that the new look will boost demand. Sales figures for the iPhone have recently fallen slightly. However, Apple risks alienating users and app providers who do not want to change or invest in redesigning their applications. According to unconfirmed reports, iOS 19 will also be introduced on older iPhones: For XR, XS and XS Max released in fall 2018, all SE models from generation 2 from 2020, and iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and of course 16, each in the standard, mini (12, 13), Pro, Pro Max and Plus (14, 15, 16) variants. As usual, however, it is to be expected that not all functions will be available for all devices.

In any case, it would be a turning point; Jony Ive was Apple's chief designer for around 30 years until he left in 2019 and founded his own company. Numerous Apple employees have followed him. Nevertheless, Ive's impact on iOS, macOS and iPadOS is still unmistakable today. Now, however, his signature could be replaced by that of his successor, Alan Dye.

The official announcement is set to be a major topic at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Perhaps there will then be less talk about Apple's difficulties with Apple Intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI).

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