Apple is preparing for the largest software overhaul in its history for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac products, aiming to bring a new generation of user experience.
Bloomberg reported on Monday (March 10) based on information from insiders that this Apple overhaul will take place later this year, fundamentally changing the look of the operating system and making Apple’s various software platforms more unified. This includes updating icons, menus, applications, windows, and system buttons.
Currently, the applications, icons, and window styles of macOS, iOS, and visionOS are all different, which may make it difficult for users to switch smoothly between devices.
Insiders said that Apple’s navigation and control device functions will become simpler, with the new design largely based on the software of Apple’s wearable device Vision Pro. Since the project has not been officially announced, they prefer to remain anonymous.
Apple hopes to boost demand by upgrading its interface. During the COVID pandemic, there was a surge in consumer electronics sales, but later on, the tech industry’s revenue slowed down. Apple’s largest source of income is its iPhone business, which recently experienced an unexpected decline in sales during a holiday season.
These upgrades are part of iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 (internally codenamed “Luck”) as well as MacOS 16 (codenamed “Cheer”). It is reported that this upgrade goes far beyond new design languages and aesthetic adjustments, being the most significant upgrade for Mac since the 2020 Big Sur operating system. For the iPhone, this will be the biggest overhaul since iOS 7 in 2013.
An Apple spokesperson declined to comment.
Apple does not have the intention to merge its operating systems under its umbrella, instead opting to keep them separate which can result in better Mac and iPad experiences. Moreover, the company encourages consumers to purchase both devices simultaneously rather than just one.
Currently, Apple has sold over 2 billion electronic devices worldwide, on which people rely for work, communication, and entertainment.