Recent leaks regarding iOS 19 suggest that Apple is incorporating elements reminiscent of the Windows 7 interface into its upcoming iPhone update. Set to be unveiled at the WWDC 2025 developer conference in June, iOS 19 is expected to feature a more aesthetically pleasing design that echoes the sleekness of Windows 7, which launched in 2009.
According to reports from Jon Prosser, one of the key aspects of iOS 19 will be the reintroduction of a glossy interface. Expect app icons, menus, and other interface elements to adopt a softer and more dimensional look, with app icons becoming more rounded and cohesive with UI components like permission dialogs and sliders.
In a detailed 10-minute video discussion, Prosser highlighted the new design language for iOS 19, indicating a potential shift away from the flat interface that has characterized iOS since version 7.
Noteworthy changes include a “floating” navigation bar on native apps. This will replace the traditional square dock at the bottom of the screen with an oval tab bar that appears slightly above, enhancing user experience through smoother animations for tab switching, termed “Tab View” by Apple.
The Messages app is also slated for a redesign, moving the search bar from the top to a more accessible position at the center bottom. Other stock apps are expected to receive similar enhancements. Additionally, the lock screen will see brighter animations for the camera and flashlight shortcuts, contributing to a refreshed look and feel.
While the Control Center will remain mostly the same, the brightness and volume sliders are set to become more rounded, reflecting a raised design language for the controls.
Apple’s approach seems to focus on balancing innovation with usability, ensuring that while the design evolves, core functionalities and recognizable icons remain familiar to users. However, it is important to consider that leaks may not always be accurate, and Apple could make adjustments before the final release. The design elements are primarily based on interpretations of internal company documents, so users should remain cautious about their accuracy.