There’s been a lot of buzz around the upcoming iOS 19 release, especially after an early look at the revamped Camera app surfaced online. Since then, reports have suggested that Apple is planning a full visionOS-inspired redesign across iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 though Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman was quick to deny those claims. Now, a new leak offers further insight into the design changes coming with iOS 19.
The YouTube channel Front Page Tech has shared more details about the updated design in a recent video. According to FPT, iOS 19 will introduce rounded icons. These new icons are hidden by default in early builds and only show up when users long-press the current squircle-shaped (rounded) icons, revealing an overflow menu.
The menu itself now features a more rounded appearance, with noticeably trimmed corners to create a more unified look. The same design approach applies to home screen widgets, as well as the Brightness and Volume sliders in the Control Center. These elements now align with the overall visual changes introduced in iOS 19.
In addition to these design changes, Apple is introducing a new TabView element across its apps. This feature adds a pill-shaped tab bar at the bottom of the screen, which also doubles as a search bar for easier one-handed access to in-app search.
Tapping the TabView icon within this bar expands it to reveal multiple tabs. This new bar will appear in Apple apps such as Messages, Apple Music, and the App Store. Apple may also allow third-party developers to integrate it into their own apps.
In iOS 19, Messages will reportedly feature a persistent search bar that remains visible even when the keyboard is active. This change could make it easier to search through conversations and messages within a thread. Similar functionality is expected to be available in other apps like Phone, App Store, and Apple Music as well.
Other smaller changes include redesigned toggles in the Settings app, which now appear thinner and more elongated than before. Meanwhile, the lock screen controls at the bottom seem to feature a subtle lighting effect, helping the rounded action buttons stand out against the background.
That said, it’s important to note that these design changes are currently based on renders created from early builds of iOS 19. We’ll likely learn more as we get closer to Apple’s WWDC event, set to take place on June 9 this year.
So, what are your thoughts on these potential design updates in iOS 19? Is this the kind of visual refresh you’re excited to see? Or do you think Apple should be focusing its efforts elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
