Report: Apple iOS 18 Could Have Major Design Changes

iOS 18 could be the biggest design change to Apple's mobile operating system in a decade

iOS has had a consistent streak of minor design tweaks since iOS 7, which was a major redesign in 2013. Now, another significant redesign could occur with iOS 18, according to a report by Bloomberg. These changes are expected to be less drastic than those from iOS 6 to iOS 7, when Sir Jonathan Ive took over the reins of software design and transitioned iOS from a skeuomorphic design language to a minimalistic one. It has been reported that the changes to the user interface are inspired by VisionOS for the Apple Vision Pro, but Bloomberg claims this will not be a complete ripoff of the VisionOS design.

Bloomberg added that while Apple is diligently working to change iOS, modifications to macOS are also underway. However, they will likely appear in a later version of the operating system in 2026.

Apple is said to be working on incorporating 3D buttons and a glass background for texture. But in VisionOS, this design language is there to enable pass-through video. Thus, what we might end up seeing is something a bit more subdued.

One of the major themes of the operating system is the integration of generative AI at an OS level, with a revamped Siri and possibly a new search function powered by new generative AI capabilities. Apple has been acquiring AI startups at a breakneck pace after it found itself lagging in the generative AI space following the launch of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022. All of this could come to bear with iOS 18, which will likely be unveiled at WWDC 2024 in June.