It’s more than interesting, or rather “captivating” or “fascinating,” to see how Apple not only plans to introduce design changes to its iPhone 17 but will also tweak the visual aesthetics of the iOS 19 user interface. I’ve always considered myself more of a software person than a hardware person, and as such, I’m very excited for the unveiling of iOS 19 at WWDC25 in June.
Or rather, “was.” Because the latest iOS 19 leaks have left me feeling a bit dry. The disappointment isn’t total, because for now, everything is based on mere rumors and early versions of the software that may have absolutely nothing to do with the final version of iOS 19. Be that as it may… iOS 19 may not be as wonderful as I expected.
Jon Prosser recently showed off more concept images of what iOS 19 will look like, featuring elements with rounded corners, translucent menus, floating bars, and oval icons. The idea, per se, isn’t bad. Apple is aiming for a spatial experience similar to the one offered by VisionOS. But there are certain details that don’t quite convince me…
Everything I DON’T like about iOS 19
Apple is reportedly planning to bring greater uniformity to its software ecosystem by redesigning its operating systems to provide some consistency with VisionOS, Apple’s Vision Pro software.
In the iOS 19 images we’ve had the chance to see, you can see how everything seems to be floating, everything is more “spatial.” And that’s fine. It’s modern. It has style and looks elegant. Very “classy.” But there’s something I don’t like at all. If the rumors are true and Apple is extending the UI design of apps like Invitations or Sports throughout the entire operating system, we run the risk of iOS 19 looking too serious, too dark, too boring, and less “clean.”
The general appearance of visionOS is like this. It’s full of menus, panels, buttons, and other elements in dark, grayish tones. It’s not that bad, I insist, but it’s not my thing. Where’s that minimalist white that provides so much clarity and cleanliness?
On the other hand, it’s rumored that iOS 19 could have circular icons. Well, we’re getting into delicate territory here. They’re not actually that circular. They’re more oval. That is, Apple could have exaggerated the curves at the corners of app icons, giving the feeling of using Android software. I don’t like it at all, and I hope the icons stay the same.
And then there’s this. What’s this, Apple? Some elements have a thin white border that changes as you move the phone. A kind of “parallax effect” designed to give the impression that the elements shine and are more dynamic. Either I think it’s hideous or Jon Prosser’s graphic designers simply haven’t been able to capture its beauty. Honestly? I think it’s tacky and doesn’t fit in at all with Apple’s traditional minimalist style.
Now, there are also things I like! Like the design of the floating menus with transparency. Whether they’re white or gray, I think they’re a great idea. The bad news is that if we want to see what iOS 19 will be like before anyone else, we’d have to spend €3,000 on an Apple Vision Pro…
In any case, I want to emphasize that nothing is confirmed yet, and all these iOS 19 leaks may be far from what the official version of the operating system will ultimately be. Hopefully! The iOS 19 software update will be officially unveiled during WWDC 25 in June at Apple Park.
