Apple's Major Operating System Redesign: The Biggest Change in Years

A New Era for Apple's Software

Apple is preparing to make a bold move that will fundamentally transform how millions of users interact with their devices. According to recent reports from Bloomberg, the tech giant is planning its most significant overhaul of operating systems in years—specifically, the biggest iPhone update since iOS 7 in 2013 and the most substantial Mac redesign since Big Sur in 2020.

The comprehensive redesign will span iOS 19, iPadOS 19 (both codenamed "Luck"), and macOS 16 (codenamed "Cheer"), with all three expected to launch later this year. This ambitious initiative represents more than just a visual refresh; it's an attempt to create a more unified experience across Apple's entire ecosystem.

The Vision Behind the Redesign

The primary goal of this extensive overhaul appears twofold: to simplify the user experience and to establish greater consistency across devices. Currently, iOS, macOS, and visionOS each have distinct interfaces and behaviors, creating a somewhat fragmented ecosystem despite Apple's reputation for integration.

Alan Dye, Apple's Vice President of Design, is reportedly spearheading this initiative. With a strong pedigree in Apple's design language—having been hired by former design chief Jony Ive to help create iOS 7 and watchOS—Dye brings valuable experience to this transformative project. Under his guidance, the redesign aims to bring harmony to Apple's various operating systems while maintaining their essential character.

What Changes Can Users Expect?

Visual Overhaul

The redesign will reportedly affect nearly every visual element, including:

• Icons
• Menus and navigation systems
• Application interfaces
• Window treatments
• System buttons and controls

While specifics remain under wraps, the changes are expected to be substantial enough to create a noticeable difference for users while maintaining Apple's minimalist aesthetic. Bloomberg's report suggests the new designs will be loosely inspired by visionOS, the operating system powering Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which has been praised for its clean, intuitive interface.

Enhanced Navigation

Beyond aesthetics, Apple aims to introduce simpler ways to navigate and control devices. This could mean streamlined gestures, more intuitive menus, and better integration between platforms—allowing users to move seamlessly between devices while maintaining familiarity with interface elements.

The timing of these changes aligns with growing criticisms that Apple's interfaces have become increasingly complex over years of incremental updates. A comprehensive rethinking could help address these concerns while refreshing the user experience.

Strategic Timing

This major redesign comes at an interesting moment for Apple. The company has experienced slowing device sales following the pandemic surge, and a refreshed operating system could potentially stimulate renewed interest in hardware upgrades. Additionally, the overhaul might serve to distract from recent challenges in Apple's artificial intelligence initiatives.

Last week, Apple confirmed that its enhanced AI-powered Siri upgrades, previously expected in iOS 18.4, had been delayed. Reports suggest these improvements might not arrive until 2026, creating a substantial gap between Apple's AI offerings and competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini.

With these AI initiatives facing delays, Apple appears to be pivoting toward what it does best—refined user experiences and cohesive design. This strategic shift could help the company maintain momentum while its AI technologies develop behind the scenes.

Potential Reactions and Concerns

While a redesign offers exciting possibilities, it also carries risks. Major interface changes historically generate mixed reactions, as evident from the polarized response to iOS 7's dramatic shift away from skeuomorphic design in 2013. Users who rely on Apple devices for professional and personal use may face adjustment periods as muscle memory and workflows adapt to new layouts.

Business users and professionals who depend on consistent interfaces for productivity could be particularly affected by significant changes. Apple will need to balance innovation with continuity to ensure that longtime users aren't alienated by the redesign.

The Broader Context: Apple's Software Evolution

This overhaul represents the latest chapter in Apple's ongoing software evolution. The company has typically alternated between major redesigns and periods of refinement:

• iOS 7 (2013): Eliminated skeuomorphism in favor of flat design
• macOS Big Sur (2020): Brought iOS-inspired design elements to Mac
• iOS 19/macOS 16 (2025): Aiming for cross-platform cohesion

Each major shift has eventually defined a new era of Apple's design language, influencing not just the company's own products but often the broader technology industry as well.

What to Expect at WWDC 2025

Apple is expected to unveil these redesigned operating systems at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. This annual event typically provides developers with early access to new software, allowing them to prepare their applications for the changes before public release in the fall.

With AI developments reportedly taking a back seat, the interface redesign will likely be the centerpiece of WWDC 2025. Developers and users alike will be watching closely to see how dramatically Apple plans to reimagine its software experience.

Conclusion

Apple's planned operating system overhaul represents one of the most significant changes to its software ecosystem in years. By focusing on creating a more consistent, intuitive experience across devices, the company aims to refresh its products while strengthening the connections between them.

While the full details won't be known until the official announcement, this redesign has the potential to reshape how millions of people interact with their devices daily. For users invested in the Apple ecosystem, these changes could make moving between iPhone, iPad, and Mac more seamless than ever before—assuming Apple successfully navigates the challenge of introducing substantial changes without disrupting established workflows.

As we approach WWDC 2025, anticipation will undoubtedly build around exactly how Apple plans to reinvent its software experience and whether this bold redesign will set the stage for the company's next decade of innovation.