Apple is getting ready for one of the most significant software overhauls in its history, placing a wager that a revolutionary new interface would help boost demand for Apple products. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working to update the user interfaces of iPhone, iPad, and Mac in a bid to draw the next generation of users.
Citing people familiar with the development, Gurman noted that the interface redesign is scheduled for later this year, and will significantly alter the appearance of the operating systems and improve consistency across Apple's different software platforms. This includes changing the look of system buttons, windows, programmes, menus, and icons.
The design—which is partially inspired from the Vision Pro's software—aims to make navigation and control across different Apple devices seamless.
What Will Apple's New Software Interface Look Like?
Currently, macOS, iOS, and visionOS have different programmes, icons, and window designs, making it difficult to switch between devices. For example, the use of circular app icons, straightforward window layout, translucent navigation panels, and 3D depth and shadows are some of the ways that VisionOS varies from iOS and macOS.
However, because Vision Pro is more immersive and uses hand gestures, some features will not work in the 2D world of iOS and macOS. Apple intends to change that with the overhaul.
Although details are thin as of now, the updates will be included in iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, which carry the moniker “Luck,” and macOS 16, code-named “Cheer.” The updates will reportedly be the biggest for the iPhone since iOS 7 in 2013 and for the Mac since the 2020 release of the Big Sur OS.
Apple Overhaul An Answer To Sluggish Sales?
The move comes on the heels of Apple's recent sales slump in the holiday season, even as growth has been slow post-pandemic. The company has also been criticised for not innovating enough post the Steve Jobs-era.
Notably, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had recently shot down Apple's innovation (or lack thereof), saying “they haven't really invented anything great in a while. It's like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone, and now they're just kind of sitting on it 20 years later.” Zuckerberg went on to say that low iPhone sales were caused by consumers delaying phone upgrades because new models do not significantly improve on previous versions.
In the most recent setback for Apple, the company delayed AI advancements to Siri indefinitely, saying it's “going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features.”
With a new software interface, Apple is hoping to revive consumer interest in the Apple ecosystem and boost demand.
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