- Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that a major iOS overhaul is on the way with iOS 19.
- Visionos could serve as inspiration for Apple's next mobile operating system.
- A new software look could go hand in hand with the rumored hardware changes.
We've been hearing a lot about rumored hardware upgrades for the iPhone 17 family, which are supposed to be due sometime later this year, but a new report from a top tipster in the industry suggests that Apple's next phones will also feature a massive software refresh.
Bloomberg Mark Gurman Reports iOS 19 will represent “one of the most dramatic software overhauls” in the history of not just iOS, but Apple as a company. The last time iOS saw a truly dramatic change in form and function was with iOS 7, released in 2013—even today, many app elements and interface elements found in iOS 18 are based on their iOS 7 versions.
In terms of new features, iOS 19 could bring a reworked camera app and (finally) a more powerful Siri, but we're still very light on tips about other features. Below, we've compiled a roundup of the key rumors so far, as well as some of the things I'd like to see from Apple's next mobile operating system.
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iPhone 17 and iOS 19 are rumored to come with a redesigned camera app inspired by the Vision Pro.
Fixed design
As we mentioned, iOS 19 is heavily rumored to bring a complete visual overhaul to Apple's mobile operating system, something we haven't seen in over a decade.
Gurman's report for Bloomberg suggests that iOS 19 will bring a visual update similar to iOS 7, with a major overhaul of the "style of icons, menus, apps, the kernel, and system buttons" across the iPhone experience.
Furthermore, the Bloomberg report hints that the new interface could take inspiration from VisionOS, which could mean anything from full circular icons to thin dials to UI overlays.
However, a large part of Apple's success as a brand is based on familiarity, so iOS 19 will likely at least resemble iOS versions from previous years — we don't expect to see the Settings app lose its gear icon motif, for example.
This software fix may come along with a reworked material design; the The iPhone 17 family is rumored to feature a fresh look at the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and an all-new iPhone 17.
New camera app
The first major suggestion of an iOS 19 redesign came with rumors of a new Camera app, which could use an open, clutter-free design reminiscent of VisionOS.
As we previously reported, a supposed iOS 19 leak did hint at the new camera app design earlier this year, with only a few screenshots smoothed out to go with it.
In the mentioned screenshots, the shutter button appears to float freely on the bottom of the screen, with the settings keys available below rather than being crammed into the top of the screen.
All the buttons are either circular or rounded, and there don't seem to be many of them. Overall, the new design looks sleek. However, of course, this is just a leak and may not reflect the final look of the camera app.
Siri Tahseen
iOS 19 is also expected to bring improvements to Apple's digital assistant, Siri.
We previously expected Siri to get some Apple Intelligence-driven updates via the mid-year iOS 18 update, but it now seems likely that Siri will get a proper AI upgrade during the iOS 19 lifecycle.
9to5mac It notes that Apple could combine the two separate systems that currently power Siri into one, providing a more conversational and efficient experience. Siri currently leverages ChatGPT, but it suggests Apple would prefer not to rely on third-party AI.
However, Gurman predicts that iOS 19 will not bring any major features to Apple's AI, so we may have to wait until later versions of iOS 19 to get AI intelligence.
iOS 19: What I want to see
Personally, I'm a fan of the reliable interface Apple has created over the years. After smoothing out the sharp visuals of iOS 7 and adding expanded, modern features with each iteration, iOS 18 looks and feels excellent in most situations.
However, there are a few things I'd like to see from the next version of iOS.
If a new Airier UI is on the way, it could be an opportunity for Apple to enable more fluid navigation through the UI. I'm a big fan of the refined navigation found on most of the best Android phones, and I always find the lack of a universal "Back" gesture a real letdown when I switch back to an iPhone.
I'd also like to see Apple go further with customization. iOS 18 finally gave us the ability to move icons around the home screen and recolor them to match a specific wallpaper or theme (here's how to customize your iPhone home screen in iOS 18 if you haven't already), but then again, Android has been ahead in this department for years.
Live wallpapers from Xiaomi or OnePlus could serve as valuable inspiration, and more control over UI element size in a VisionOS-inspired aesthetic would make a lot of sense.
With all that said, I'm supportive of any potential redesigns. From a hardware and software standpoint, the phone's design could become somewhat homogeneous, so it's good to hear that Apple might be willing to take some risks. In any case, let us know what you'd like to see from iOS 19 in the comments below.
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