Apple is poised to revitalize its software design for its 2025 device lineup, including the iPhone 17 series, the M5 MacBook Pro, and the M5 iPad Pro. This move aims to address waning consumer opinions and boost sales, especially among younger demographics, in the face of post-pandemic market challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence. The refreshed software, anticipated to launch alongside the new hardware later this year, will feature significant design overhauls across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Design Inspired by Vision Pro
Sources speaking to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 (codenamed “Luck”) and macOS 16 (codenamed “Cheer”) will undergo fundamental design changes. These updates will go beyond a simple refresh, impacting icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons for a more unified experience across Apple’s platforms. The design inspiration draws from Apple’s Vision Pro software, adapting elements like circular app icons, simplified windows, and translucent navigation panels for the 2D interfaces of iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The company also plans to incorporate more subtle uses of 3D depth and shadows.
A Focus on Consistency, Not Merging Operating Systems
While striving for design consistency, Apple remains committed to maintaining separate operating systems. The brand’s focus is on enhancing usability and creating a seamless transition between devices, rather than merging iOS, iPadOS, and macOS into a single platform. This approach builds upon lessons learned from the VisionOS experiment, aiming to translate successful design elements to more established and widely used operating systems.
Addressing Post-Pandemic Challenges and AI Competition
Apple’s design overhaul comes at a time of shifting consumer preferences and increased competition. The company seeks to recapture consumer interest, particularly among younger users, by offering a fresh and modern user experience. This strategy is crucial for boosting device sales in a market still recovering from the pandemic and increasingly influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence.
New Software for New Hardware
The new software, expected to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, will likely be pre-installed on the upcoming iPhone 17 series, M5 MacBook Pro, and M5 iPad Pro. Rumors surrounding these devices are already circulating, with particular attention on the iPhone 17 Air. Analysts suggest that the M5 MacBook Pro may not receive significant hardware updates besides the M5 chip, potentially due to the absence of an OLED display. In contrast, the M5 iPad Pro is anticipated to launch with an OLED display. It remains to be seen whether this refreshed software ecosystem will be a significant selling point for Apple’s 2025 devices and revitalize the brand’s image.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Apple
Apple’s planned software redesign represents a strategic move to adapt to evolving market dynamics and consumer expectations. By drawing inspiration from Vision Pro and focusing on cross-platform consistency, Apple aims to create a more engaging and intuitive user experience. This effort, combined with new hardware releases, could be a key factor in the company’s success in the coming years, particularly in attracting a younger generation of users. The refreshed software experience may also play a crucial role in differentiating Apple’s offerings in an increasingly competitive market driven by artificial intelligence and evolving user demands.
