Amidst rumours of the next-gen iPhone 17 series and new MacBooks, a bunch of leaks have also shed light on iOS 19 – the next-gen software upgrade for iPhones across the world. With iOS 18 keeping its focus around Apple Intelligence and homescreen customisation features, the goal with iOS 19 is to bring a major visual overhaul – apparently the biggest one since iOS 7.
Details on the iOS 19 update are expected to be revealed at the upcoming Apple WWDC 2025 event alongside other announcements pertaining to macOS, iPadOS and other Apple hardware projects. As is the case always, Apple usually reveals the new operating system at the WWDC and releases the beta version a month later to developers, with the final stable build reserved for release with the next-gen iPhone in September.
iOS 19: Are there going to be enough changes?
The answer is a resounding yes. With Apple Intelligence development rumoured to have slowed down, Apple is focusing on visually overhauling iOS 19.
Major UI redesign
Based on information from Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple tipster, it is said that Apple will incorporate a new glass-like design in the user interface across its entire portfolio of software, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. From app icons to windows and menus, a glass-like translucent layer along with diffused colours is expected to spruce up the interface and make iOS feel fresher and more modern.
Jon Prosser, another tipster, suggested that Apple could ditch the square icons in favour of visionOS-inspired rounded icons and curved corners on various other interface elements. Even the Control Center will get the translucent floating effect. The animations and transitions are likely to be refined further and Apple could overhaul the navigation within system apps.
Apple’s first-party apps will make use of a custom tab bar to switch between various pages and access the search function.
More Apple Intelligence
This year, Apple is rumoured to use its AI to improve your iPhone’s battery stamina. iOS 19 will rely on Apple Intelligence to study the battery usage patterns and limit the power usage of apps and system services. Apple will also add a new battery indicator on the Lockscreen to show how long it will take to recharge the battery.
Google Gemini is also rumoured to be an alternative to Siri Requests other than the default option to rely on OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot. Rumours have it that Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, has already done a deal for debuting Gemini natively on the iPhone in mid-2025.
Siri updates
Siri is also expected to get new features this year, although some of them could be carried over from the announcements made at iOS 18. Apple could release a more personalised version of Siri with greater capability and more intelligence. These could include personal context, onscreen awareness and improved app integration.
AirPods live translation
The iOS 19 update is expected to allow live translation via AirPods. The Translate app will make the AirPods as a silent mediator for conversations involving different languages. Hence, when the person starts talking in a different language, the AirPods will capture the audio and translate it in real time to make it easy for the conversation.
Eye and head tracking
There will be enhancements made to eye tracking with switch dwell functions. Additionally, the head tracking will make it easier for people to control their iPhone and iPad.
Music haptics
iOS 19 could also bring the ability to use haptic feedback for rhythming with songs or just vocals. The feature will let users enjoy granular controls like adjusting the intensity of taps, textures vibrations.