Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) kicks off on June 9, and by the looks of it, this year’s event could be one of the most exciting we’ve seen in years. Why? Because Apple is preparing for a sweeping redesign across its entire ecosystem — and iOS 19 is taking center stage.
iOS 19 no more, its going to be iOS 26: A Whole New Vibe for iPhone and iPad
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the latest iOS might just be one of the most dramatic makeovers in iPhone history. Think floating windows, transparent effects, and sleek, rounded edges — all wrapped in a modern, glass-like design. This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a major step toward a unified Apple experience across all your devices.
Here’s what’s on the cards:
- App icons are getting softer and rounder
- Menus will be translucent and fluid
- Buttons? Redesigned to match the new aesthetic
- The Control Center is getting a glow-up with smoother toggles and curved design
- A new pill-shaped tab bar at the bottom of apps will make navigation and search a breeze
- And it’s not just about how things look — Apple is weaving AI deeply into the system. You might soon be using:
- A smart health assistant in the Health app
- AI that saves battery intelligently, learning from your habits
- Live translations through AirPods, making conversations across languages smoother than ever
But there is more
Apple is shaking things up with a bold new naming strategy for its operating systems. Instead of the expected iOS 19, the next iPhone software will be called iOS 26—named after the upcoming year, not the one we’re in. And it’s not just iOS: macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will all follow suit, each adopting “26” as their next version number.
Why the sudden leap? Apple wants to bring a sense of consistency and simplicity to its entire ecosystem. Right now, each platform follows its own versioning path, which can be confusing—iOS and iPadOS might be aligned, but macOS or watchOS could be a few steps behind or ahead. By syncing everything under a common number, Apple is streamlining the experience for users and developers alike.
This forward-looking approach takes a cue from the auto industry, where car models are named after the following year to signal innovation and newness. Apple’s message is clear: the future starts now.
Interestingly, Apple’s dabbled in year-based naming before, with products like iWork ’08 and iLife ’11. But this time, it’s going all in—rebranding its entire lineup in a move that feels both practical and symbolic of a new chapter in the Apple ecosystem.
iPadOS 19 and macOS 16: Playing in Sync
The iPad and Mac won’t be left behind. Expect iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 to borrow heavily from the iOS 19 playbook — same sleek glassy vibes, floating UI elements, and clean, rounded controls. It’s all part of Apple’s push to create a seamless, cohesive experience, no matter what screen you’re using.
Even though macOS isn’t getting quite the same spotlight, the update will still play a key role in aligning desktop and mobile experiences more closely than ever before.
watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS: The Ecosystem Glow-Up
It doesn’t stop with phones and laptops. Apple’s also refreshing watchOS and tvOS, giving both platforms a more modern look and feel that mirrors the new design language. Especially notable is tvOS, which hasn’t changed much since its 2015 debut — until now. Expect smoother visuals, better icons, and a cleaner layout that feels more at home in Apple’s redesigned world.
Even visionOS, the newcomer powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset, is getting some polish. No dramatic changes here, just subtle improvements to keep it in sync with the broader ecosystem.
A More Connected Apple World
What’s really happening here is Apple closing the gap between its many platforms. With visionOS as the design inspiration, everything is starting to look and feel more consistent — more fluid, intuitive, and future-ready.
If all this pans out as expected, WWDC 2024 could mark Apple’s biggest software shift since iOS 7 — and it might just change how we think about our devices all over again.
So, buckle up. A bold, beautiful Apple experience is just around the corner.
