Apple prepares major software overhaul to revitalise iPhone, iPad, and Mac interfaces

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES: Apple Inc. is on the brink of implementing one of the most significant software changes in its history, with plans to overhaul the interfaces of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to appeal to a new generation of users.

This revamp, set to launch later this year, will fundamentally alter the appearance of the operating systems and create a more uniform experience across Apple’s various software platforms, as reported by individuals familiar with the initiative. The update will involve refreshing the design of icons, menus, applications, windows, and system buttons.

As part of this effort, Apple aims to simplify how users navigate and control their devices, according to Bloomberg. The new design will be loosely inspired by the software of the Vision Pro headset.

Apple is banking on this ground-breaking new interface to reignite consumer interest after experiencing a slowdown in revenue following a surge in technology spending during the pandemic. Growth has been gradual, and the company faced an unexpected decline in iPhone sales during the last holiday season, which is particularly concerning given that the iPhone is Apple’s most profitable product.

These changes will be part of iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, with the code name ‘Luck’, as well as MacOS 16, dubbed ‘Cheer’. The updates represent more than just aesthetic adjustments; they signal the most substantial improvement to the Mac operating system since the launch of Big Sur in 2020. For the iPhone, it will be the most significant redesign since iOS 7 debuted in 2013.

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The upcoming changes are expected to take center stage at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, providing a potential distraction from the company’s rocky attempts to advance in the realm of artificial intelligence. Recently, Apple postponed its AI upgrades for the Siri digital assistant indefinitely, with sources confirming to Bloomberg that these enhancements are now in jeopardy.

A primary objective of the software overhaul is to create a more cohesive visual experience across Apple’s operating systems. Currently, there are noticeable differences in application design, icons, and window styles across macOS, iOS, and visionOS, leading to a disjointed experience when users switch between devices.

Additionally, while Apple developed VisionOS for its mixed-reality headset, which has not performed well in sales since its launch last year, the innovative features within this software are expected to eventually extend to other Apple devices.