Apple iOS 19: What To Expect — Rumoured Features, Release Timeline, Supported Devices

Apple is gearing up to launch iOS 19 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Jun. 9, 2025. Ahead of the launch, speculation around the forthcoming software update is gaining momentum, particularly with reports suggesting a substantial redesign reminiscent of the overhaul seen with iOS 7.

iOS 19 is still a few months away from its official release, and Apple hasn't shared any details yet. But many leaks on possible features and design changes are making the rounds online. While these leaks offer a good idea of what to expect, nothing is confirmed until Apple makes it official.

Floating Windows And Glass-Like Aesthetics

iOS 19 is set to feature a significant redesign, including floating windows and a glass-like look across apps. This design update will extend to iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, ensuring a unified experience across Apple devices. Inspired by visionOS, the design will introduce transparent menus, rounded icons and fresh button styles. Apple's recent app, Apple Invites, which uses transparent elements, gives further credibility to these iOS 19 design rumours.

Users can expect a cohesive experience that integrates floating elements, rounded icons, and new UI features across all platforms.

Updated App Icons

Leaks from the YouTube channel Front Page Tech show that iOS 19 will modify app icons, giving them a more square-like shape with rounded corners. While initially suggested to be fully round, the icons may still undergo some adjustments before the official iOS 19 preview in June. Additionally, some of the controls in the Control Center are also getting a similar rounded treatment.

Pill-Shaped Tab Bar

A new pill-shaped tab bar is reportedly coming to iOS 19, which will appear at the bottom of apps. According to Beebom, the tab bar will feature a Tab View icon and a search bar. Tapping on the Tab View icon will reveal various tabs within an app, offering a more organised and user-friendly experience. This update may also be available to third-party app developers for integration.

Elongated Toggles And Shimmer Effects

iOS 19 will also bring smaller adjustments, such as elongated toggles in the Settings app and a shimmer effect for lock screen controls. These subtle touches aim to improve the overall user experience without overwhelming users with drastic changes.

Camera App Overhaul

Beebom reported that iOS 19 will bring a streamlined Camera app with just two tabs — photo and video. Each tab will open specific options like Depth, Spatial and Exposure. The menus will also adopt a transparent design, aligning with the broader visual overhaul of the OS. This redesign will make navigation and customisation more intuitive for users.

Messages App Gets A Facelift

The Messages app will also undergo a redesign, with more rounded, transparent buttons for features like back navigation and FaceTime. Additionally, the app may feature a persistent search bar at the bottom for easier navigation and faster access to conversations.

Personalised Siri

While initially planned for iOS 18, personalised Siri may finally debut with iOS 19. This feature will enable Siri to offer more personalised responses by tracking your information across emails, messages and other apps. With personalised context and the ability to act across apps, Siri's functionality will be much more dynamic and helpful.

AI Doctor

iOS 19 could bring an AI-powered doctor feature to the Health app, providing personalised health recommendations based on your data. The AI will also analyse workouts and use camera access to offer even more detailed health insights, making it an exciting development in the field of AI-assisted healthcare.

Real-Time Translation For AirPods

One of the most anticipated features for iOS 19 is live translation for AirPods. This update will allow AirPods to automatically detect and translate conversations in different languages, making it easier to communicate across language barriers. With the Translate app already supporting this function, integrating it into AirPods will make language translation even more seamless, reported Beebom.

Device Compatibility

If recent leaks are accurate, iOS 19 may drop support for older models, including the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. The following models are expected to receive the update:

• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

• iPhone 12 series

• iPhone 13 series

• iPhone 14 series

• iPhone 15 series

• iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e)

• The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the rumoured iPhone 17 Air

 Apple is expected to release the iOS 19 developer beta immediately after its announcement. A public beta may follow in July 2025, ahead of the official rollout in September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 series.