A recent iOS 19 leak suggests that Apple is preparing a major visual overhaul for the iPhone. According to information shared by the Front Page Tech channel, which recreated images based on alleged internal footage, iOS 19 may debut a visionOS-inspired look with translucent “glass”-style interface elements. Among the reported changes are more rounded app icons, a floating pill-shaped bottom navigation bar, and several other design tweaks that make the iPhone experience feel more modern. These changes point to one of the biggest visual revamps in years for iOS, aligning it with Apple’s design trends on other platforms.
Main highlights from the iOS 19 leak
- App icons with a more rounded design (possibly even fully circular).
- New floating pill-shaped bottom navigation bar in native apps such as App Store, Music, TV, etc.
- Interface with transparency and depth effects, in a glass-like style inspired by visionOS.
- Context menus (Haptic Touch) and sliders with even more rounded corners.
- Thinner toggles in Settings and a redesigned virtual keyboard.
- Subtle lighting effects on certain elements (lock screen icons that “glow” as you move the iPhone).
- First iOS 19 beta expected in June 2025, with public release in the fall.
- Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGI8sZqWEl0
Translucent, visionOS inspired design
One of the most talked-about changes is the adoption of a translucent, “glassy” design style similar to visionOS. Sources indicate that iOS 19 will feature more transparency in interface elements, buttons, menus, notifications, and more, giving the system a frosted-glass appearance. This visual language brings more depth and shadows to app backgrounds, bringing the iPhone experience closer to what is offered on Apple Vision Pro. In addition, Jon Prosser (well-known leaker behind Front Page Tech) says that:
Apple implemented subtle lighting effects on some interface components. For example, the flashlight and camera icons on the lock screen would display a slight glow as you move the iPhone, reinforcing the feeling of an interactive “glass” material.
More rounded app icons
Another significant change concerns app icons. Since 2013, iOS has used square icons with rounded corners (squircle format). Now, the leak suggests these icons may become even more rounded, approaching a fully circular shape similar to what is seen in visionOS. Prosser suggests that:
In internal iOS 19 prototypes, circular icons exist but remain hidden by default.
Apparently, when you long-press a traditional-style icon, it transforms into the new, more rounded design through a short animation, which suggests that Apple may be hiding this obvious change until the official iOS 19 announcement during WWDC 2025.
Floating navigation bar and new tabs
The navigation layout of native apps should also change. The rumor describes a new floating tab bar at the bottom of several stock apps (App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Messages, Phone, among others). Instead of the traditional fixed bar with icons, iOS 19 would introduce a pill-shaped bottom bar that sits slightly detached from the background, giving the impression that it floats above the interface. This modernized navigation bar includes improved transition animations when switching between tabs, making the experience feel smoother.
Other interface changes in iOS 19
Several other UI details are reportedly being refined in iOS 19. Apple is said to have opted for even more rounded corners in many UI components. The context menus that appear with Haptic Touch (long-pressing an icon) have more curved edges, as do the volume and brightness sliders in Control Center. Even permission pop-ups (such as camera or microphone access requests) received a refreshed look consistent with the system’s new style.
Availability
The expectation is that iOS 19 will be officially unveiled at WWDC 2025, Apple’s annual developer conference scheduled for early June (kicking off on June 9, 2025). Traditionally, Apple releases the first developer beta right after the on-stage announcement at WWDC, and iOS 19 should be no different. The first public beta of iOS 19 is expected to be available on June 9, 2025 itself, giving developers and enthusiasts the chance to try these new features early. The final version for all users should arrive in the fall, likely in September 2025, alongside the launch of the new iPhone models.
