The Biggest iOS Overhaul Since 2013
Apple is reportedly pushing for a major overhaul of the software operating systems (OS) installed on its devices such as the iPhone, Bloomberg reported on the 10th (local time).
The overhaul aims to completely change the interfaces of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to provide a more consistent experience for a new generation of users, Bloomberg said.
The new operating systems to be unveiled in the second half of this year will feature an overall redesign, with updated styles for icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons.
This overhaul is expected to take place in iOS 19 for the next iPhone, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. For iOS, this represents the biggest change since iOS 7 in 2013, and for macOS, it signals the largest update since 2020.
As part of the overhaul, Apple plans to update the design across operating systems to be more consistent. Currently, each device’s OS has different app, icon, and window styles, which can cause users to feel a sense of disconnect when switching between devices.
Sources said that measures are being explored to make it easier for users to navigate and control their devices. The overhaul is based on the design of visionOS, the operating system for the mixed reality (MR) headset Vision Pro. Although the Vision Pro, released last year, fell short of sales expectations, its innovative OS elements will be reflected in other devices.
Apple is expected to first announce this update at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held in June.
However, Apple does not plan to integrate the operating systems. The company believes that maintaining each OS separately maximizes the strengths of each product.
Apple expects this major overhaul to help revive product demand, which has recently slowed down. For the iPhone, which accounts for half of total sales, fourth-quarter revenue last year declined compared to the same period the previous year and fell short of expert expectations.
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