Yesterday marked another round in the ongoing dispute between Prosser and Gurman regarding the extent of changes in the user interface of iOS 19.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman asserts that he has encountered indications of a change nearly as significant as what we saw with iOS 7 back in 2013. Conversely, Jon Prosser suggests that we can anticipate more modest alterations.
The Prosser and Gurman Showdown
Earlier this month, Gurman reported that we can expect a complete redesign across Apple’s main operating systems, along with new features.
Apple Inc. is gearing up for one of the most significant software updates in its history, intending to revolutionize the interface of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac for a new generation.
This overhaul — set for later this year — will fundamentally alter the appearance of the operating systems, loosely drawing inspiration from the software used in the Vision Pro […]
The adjustments go beyond mere aesthetic modifications; this will be the most substantial upgrade for the Mac since the Big Sur operating system in 2020 and the most extensive revamp for the iPhone since iOS 7 in 2013.
In contrast, Jon Prosser is tempering expectations. While he showcased a mockup of a notably redesigned Camera app back in January, he recently shared what he claims is a screenshot of the new Messages app, which does not suggest a dramatically new appearance. The alterations appear to be relatively minor adjustments.
Most of the interface remains unchanged, but we do see slightly redesigned buttons at the top, now encased in a circle with a reflective glass effect reminiscent of visionOS. The virtual keyboard on the iPhone also seems to feature a slight redesign, with more rounded edges.
He elaborated further during a podcast episode with Sam Kohl, stating,
Many individuals have high hopes for what this redesign entails, and to my knowledge, it does not align with those lofty expectations […] I hope people won’t be too disappointed.
He specifically addressed Gurman’s claims.
I won’t assert that Mark Gurman is incorrect, but from what we are seeing, it doesn’t appear to be as significant as it’s portrayed. It is indeed a redesign, with some features operating differently, but it is certainly not on the scale of iOS 7.
Gurman responded, indirectly referencing Prosser.
The images of iOS 19 circulating aren’t indicative of what will be unveiled at WWDC. They likely originate from very old builds or vague descriptions.
Clues from Apple Regarding iOS 19
Additionally, yesterday brought some insights directly from Apple. The company announced the dates for WWDC 2025, and the frosted glass graphic seems to support the notion of a visionOS-influenced aesthetic.
Parker Ortolani also hinted that an animation for the event spurs optimism for “exciting new motion design in upcoming releases.”
DMN’s Perspective
While we lack definitive information at this stage, I tend to align more with Gurman’s viewpoint regarding iOS 19 than with Prosser’s. Apple’s graphic undeniably lends credibility to Gurman’s assertions of a glassy, three-dimensional aesthetic.
It has been quite a while since Apple introduced a fresh new UI design, so a change is certainly overdue — and as I mentioned before, a new interface might have a more profound effect than the long-anticipated Siri enhancements.
Featured Accessories
Image credit: And machines on Unsplash
