Tomorrow, at 10 AM Pacific Time, Apple will unveil the next-generation versions of its operating systems, including iOS 19 (now expected to be named iOS 26) for iPhone. The flagship change for the new iPhone software will be a dramatic visual redesign, which the company will also roll out across all of its other operating systems for a consistent new look on every Apple device.
In the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, he specifically references that Apple will show off new “Liquid Glass” UI elements. This means users can expect the OS to make ample use of translucent-glass like materials, and visual flair like specular highlights.
Users can expect to see the new reflective and glassy materials across all standard iPhone UI controls, like buttons, toolbars and tab bars.
There’s also been some indications that the home screen app icons will be redesigned with a new rounder shape, and the borders of the icon will also have a shiny reflective highlight appearance.
Apple’s other platforms like macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and tvOS will also be reinvigorated with new Liquid Glass UI elements and updated icon sets. The overhaul will help bring more consistency to the Apple software experience across all of your devices, even though overall UI layouts, navigation and interactions will still be suited for each particular form factor.
The glassy themes will also synergise nicely with upcoming iPhone hardware redesigns, like the rumored 2027 model featuring an all-screen design with curved edges and minimal screen bezel.
Apple will announce its major new OS redesign tomorrow, as part of the WWDC keynote. 9to5Mac will be there live and bring you full coverage of everything as Apple announces it.
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