Reports suggest that iOS 19 will bring a significant redesign, along with reimagined updates for companion operating systems like macOS 16 and iPadOS 19. According to Mark Gurman, Apple has set three ambitious goals for these updates that align perfectly with user expectations.
Apple Executives Have a Clear Vision for OS Revamps
In his latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman provided insights into the anticipated redesign for iOS 19.
Some of the most significant information surfaced in a section discussing Apple’s objectives for the upcoming updates.
According to executives, the intention is to enhance the operating systems by making them more intuitive, quicker to navigate, and simpler to learn. The software should also pave the way for innovative hardware designs, such as foldable devices and touchscreen Macs. Furthermore, it must be tailored to an era that prioritizes artificial intelligence assistants over users constantly switching in and out of applications.
This excerpt highlights three clear goals set by Apple’s leadership. Therefore, iOS 19 and its updates must be:
- Simplified for user-friendliness
- Quicker to navigate
- Easier to learn
Moreover, the latter objectives—preparing for new hardware designs and an AI-centric future—might stem from executives’ conversations. However, it’s unclear if these are Gurman’s interpretations or official priorities.
Regardless, let’s concentrate on the three key points that Gurman explicitly mentions.
iOS 19’s Challenging Objectives: ‘Simpler to Use, Faster to Navigate, Easier to Learn’
On the surface, all of Apple’s redesign goals for iOS 19 seem incredibly straightforward and logical.
However, achieving them is likely to be exceptionally challenging.
When considering “simpler to use” and “faster to navigate,” I recall the hints about iOS 19 I discussed previously.
In particular, Apple’s shift from tab bar navigation to single-page scrolling interfaces stands out.
Scrolling is an intuitive mechanic, with popular apps—such as TikTok and Instagram—designed around it.
Nonetheless, something that appears “simpler” in theory does not always yield the same results in practice.
For instance, the redesign of the Photos app in iOS 18 transitioned from a tab bar to a single-page layout. While this approach offers certain advantages, it can also confuse users.
Additionally, iOS 18 introduced numerous customization features aimed at enhancing personal user experience. However, just because you can customize does not necessarily mean things are easier to learn.
While many readers of this site may have no trouble personalizing their Photos app, Control Center, or Lock Screen, it’s likely that a significant portion of Apple users continue to utilize default setups. This approach tends to be the simplest and most hassle-free.
In summary, while Apple’s goals are commendable, the road toward their fulfillment holds challenges, but they certainly point the company in the right direction.
iOS 19 Redesign: Tackling Complexity Issues
With increased power comes increased complexity.
iOS 18 offers far more capabilities than earlier versions of iPhone software. Yet, this expanded functionality can make it daunting for new users. It has also resulted in inconsistencies across Apple’s various platforms and applications.
Although the iPhone, iPad, and Mac share foundational similarities, they each possess unique characteristics. Moreover, app design within Apple has evolved over the years, causing some applications to cling to outdated iOS conventions while others receive modern updates.
A comprehensive overhaul that genuinely simplifies, accelerates, and enhances the user experience would significantly address these concerns. Following a busy year of feature additions, iOS 19 could serve as a much-needed reset for Apple’s software ecosystem.
While it appears Apple has a promising plan for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, the real challenge lies in the execution. For that insight, we’ll have to hold out until the unveiling at June’s WWDC and the initial developer betas.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s proposed goals for the redesign of iOS 19? Share your opinions in the comments section.
