9:05:32 PM
theverge.com2 days ago

Apple Eyes Radical Design Overhaul: Will iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Morph into Vision Pro?

Apple is rumored to be planning a sweeping redesign of its core operating systems, taking cues from the futuristic visionOS. Will this be a seamless evolution or a jarring departure from the Apple we know?

Is Apple About to Give iOS, iPadOS, and macOS a Radical Facelift?

Hold on to your iPhones! Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant design overhaul of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The whispers are getting louder, suggesting that these changes will be the most dramatic we've seen in years, with inspiration drawn from an unexpected source: the Vision Pro's visionOS.

From Vision Pro to Your Pocket: What's Changing?

According to Bloomberg, the redesign will touch almost every aspect of the operating systems. We're talking:

  • Iconography: A fresh new look for those familiar app icons.
  • Menus: Streamlined and simplified navigation.
  • Apps: A consistent design language across all Apple platforms.
  • Windows: Rethinking how we interact with macOS windows.
  • System Buttons: A unified button style for a more cohesive experience.

The goal? To simplify the user experience and create a more consistent feel across Apple's entire ecosystem. Will this pursuit of simplification lead to a dumbing down of the OS, or a true evolution in user experience?

A Blast from the Past: How Big Are These Changes, Really?

Bloomberg is calling this the biggest design update to macOS since macOS Big Sur and the most significant iOS redesign since the radical shift of iOS 7. Remember those days? Will Apple recapture that innovative spark, or will they stumble in their attempt to reinvent the wheel?

Don't Panic: Apple Isn't Merging Everything (Yet)

Despite the unifying design principles, Apple isn't planning on merging iOS, iPadOS, and macOS into a single, monolithic operating system. Each will retain its unique identity and functionality, at least for now. But is this a missed opportunity for true cross-platform synergy?

WWDC 2025: Mark Your Calendars

Apple is expected to unveil these changes at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), typically held in June. Keep your eyes peeled for the official announcement and prepare for a potentially wild ride.

The Verdict: Evolution or Revolution?

Will this design overhaul be a smooth evolution, or a jarring revolution that alienates longtime users? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: Apple is betting big on a future where its operating systems are more unified, more intuitive, and more visually stunning than ever before.