This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple is working on the next major iOS update. A recent leak about iOS 19 shows how the design could change. It's not just about round app icons, but a complete visual update that's strongly reminiscent of Apple Vision Pro's visionOS. If you want to know what your iPhone could soon look like, you can find all the details known so far here.
The YouTube channel Front Page Tech has shown renderings in a new video based on allegedly real images of iOS 19. According to host Jon Prosser, these come from internal Apple sources. The preview shows many design changes that were likely meant to remain secret until the official unveiling at WWDC in June. Particularly striking are a glassy look, redesigned icons, and new animations. The renderings show a system that appears familiar, but is significantly more modern in many small details.
Transparent surfaces and new animations
iOS 19 is expected to have a more transparent, visionOS-inspired design. Buttons, menus, and notifications will appear more translucent and lighter. According to the leak, this glass-like style is present in many areas of the system. What's particularly striking in the renderings is that Apple is experimenting with round app icons. While these icons are disabled by default in the internal builds of iOS 19, they can be enabled by long-pressing the app icon. This triggers a short animation that transforms the old icon into a rounder one. Whether the icons will be completely round like in visionOS remains to be seen. Prosser emphasizes that Apple may be intentionally hiding this feature, only to officially unveil it at WWDC in June.
New tab bar in system apps
Another feature that stands out in the renderings is a new, pill-shaped tab bar at the bottom of various apps. It appears in the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, the News app, and the Phone app, among others. This bar appears to float slightly above the content, reinforcing the impression of depth. The Search tab also features an extended search bar. To the left of it is a round button that allows you to switch back to the expanded tab bar. Here, too, a new animation appears when switching tabs. In the News app, the search bar remains permanently visible, which should simplify navigation.
Changed UI elements
The design changes also affect other UI areas. Haptic Touch menus appear rounder and flatter. They appear when you long-press an app icon. The volume and brightness sliders in Control Center have also been adjusted and look a bit more modern. The prompts for camera and microphone access also have a new layout. In the Settings app, the toggle switches are slimmer. And the standard keyboard also appears to have received a slight redesign.
Subtle lighting effects for more depth
Another effect Apple uses, according to the leak, is a subtle lighting effect on certain UI elements. This makes certain parts of the system feel like glass. For example, the flashlight and camera controls on the lock screen shimmer slightly when you move the iPhone.
Schedule for iOS 19
The first beta version of iOS 19 is scheduled to be released immediately after the WWDC keynote on June 9, 2025. The final update is expected in September, as usual, likely alongside the iPhone 17.
- iPhone 17 Air: Apple's risky balancing act between form and function
- WWDC 2025 – Date, rumors and Apple software updates
iOS 19 is set to be more modern and visual
If the leaks are correct, iOS 19 will bring noticeable design changes. The system appears more transparent, more modern, and closer to visionOS. Apple appears to be significantly refreshing the user interface with new UI elements, animations, and rounder icons. While nothing is official yet, the leak gives a good idea of what to expect. Clarity will be available by WWDC at the latest. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide range of accessories, including for HomeKit. (Image: FrontPageTech)
- Foldable iPhone to arrive in 2026 – what is known so far
- Apple TV+: These are the series highlights in April 2025
- iOS 19 – All rumors and new features at a glance
