Apple’s iOS 26 to Feature major Visual Overhaul

⁤ Updated June 01, 2025
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apple is set to unveil iOS 26, the ⁣newest version of its iPhone operating system, at the annual Worldwide Developers conference (WWDC) on June 9. While artificial intelligence has been a⁢ major focus in the ⁣tech world, reports indicate⁣ that Apple will instead emphasize a complete visual redesign with iOS 26.

The forthcoming iOS update, previously known as iOS 19, will adopt a new naming convention, aligning with the year of its release, much like the auto industry. This change will extend to Apple’s other ⁢operating systems, including macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS, providing a more uniform system for consumers.

According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, the iOS 26 redesign, codenamed “solarium,” will feature ‍a glass-like appearance. This means elements like menus and toolbars will be partially transparent, allowing ⁣users to see through them, similar to the interface of Apple’s visionOS. The “solarium” concept evokes ⁢the feeling of standing in an interior garden with glass walls and ceilings, designed to maximize light exposure.

The new design is expected‍ to include reflective buttons that shimmer ⁢as the phone moves, thanks to the iPhone’s gyroscope. This effect, similar to the shimmering icons on⁢ tvOS, will add depth to the translucent objects.Other anticipated changes include floating pill-shaped toolbars, thinner ‍buttons, a glass-like keyboard, and⁤ potentially rounder app icons.

Sources familiar with the iOS 26 builds suggest this visual overhaul will be the most significant since iOS 7 in 2013. Gurman described‍ the redesign as transformative, fundamentally changing the look of iOS. The ⁢company hopes the new look will boost device sales, especially after the lukewarm reception of its AI platform, Apple Intelligence.

Ming-Chi⁢ Kuo, an analyst⁣ at TF International Securities, noted a lack of⁤ evidence suggesting Apple Intelligence was driving hardware upgrades. While iPhone‍ revenue saw a slight increase in the last quarter, this growth may have been influenced by consumers purchasing‍ devices before potential tariff increases.

By incorporating a consistent design language across its⁤ product line, Apple aims to create a more familiar experience for users, potentially driving sales of other ‍devices like ⁣Macs and Apple TVs. The iOS 26 redesign may also serve to shift focus away from ⁣the limited AI announcements expected at WWDC.

Apple’s ‍WWDC25 logo may offer a subtle hint at the iOS 26 redesign, with its transparent, glass-like rainbow reflecting colored light, reminiscent of a ⁢solarium.

What’s next

The official unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC on June 9 will⁤ confirm ‍the extent ⁤of these reported visual changes.