The team at Front Page Tech is back with another juicy leak, and this time it’s all about iOS 19. In their latest video, they dive into what might be Apple’s most visually dramatic iOS update in years. Thanks to insider tips and recreated visuals, we’re getting a sneak peek at some major design overhauls that could be coming to your iPhone later this year.
A Shiny, Glass-Inspired Makeover
First up—let’s talk design. According to the leak, iOS 19 is set to take a page out of visionOS’s playbook. Think more translucent layers, a glass-like finish across buttons, menus, and notifications, and an overall cleaner, more dynamic look. It seems Apple is going for a high-end, futuristic feel that still keeps things familiar for users.
A Surprise Twist: Round App Icons?
Here’s where things get interesting. One of the more unexpected details from the leak is the possible switch to rounder app icons. Now, they might not go fully circular like what we’ve seen on visionOS, but they’re definitely moving away from the classic squircle shape we’ve all gotten used to.
Even more intriguing—these rounder icons are reportedly hidden in internal builds of iOS 19. According to host Jon Prosser, you can reveal them by long-pressing on a regular icon, triggering a smooth animation that flips it into the new round look. It’s subtle, but clever—and could be Apple’s way of keeping the surprise under wraps until their big WWDC reveal in June.
A New Navigation Experience with the Tab Bar
Apple’s also shaking things up in the way you navigate some of its core apps. The App Store, Apple Music, Messages, Phone, and Apple TV are all rumored to be getting a pill-shaped tab bar at the bottom. It’s a sleeker, more modern design that feels in line with the rest of the visual upgrades.
In apps like Messages, the search bar now sticks around at the top, and in the search tabs of other apps, you’ll reportedly see an elongated search bar with a round button next to it that brings the full tab bar back into view. There’s even a fresh animation when you switch tabs—little touches that add polish and personality.
Softer Corners, Smoother Sliders, and UI Refreshes
Leaked images also suggest that Apple’s continuing to round out the corners across iOS. Haptic Touch menus (the ones you see when you long-press an icon) look more refined, and even the sliders for brightness and volume in Control Center are getting a softer, sleeker look.
Permission pop-ups for things like camera or microphone access are also being redesigned to match the new aesthetic, making the whole system feel more cohesive and premium.
Settings & Keyboard Get Subtle Upgrades
Even the Settings app isn’t getting left out. Slimmer toggle switches are rumored to be part of the update, along with some slight tweaks to the default iOS keyboard. Again, it’s all about refining the details to give the interface a more unified and modern appearance.
Shimmering Lock Screen Effects
Here’s a fun one—rumor has it that Apple is adding a soft lighting effect to parts of the UI. On the Lock Screen, for example, the Flashlight and Camera buttons might shimmer just slightly as you move the phone. It’s a subtle effect, but it adds a nice sense of depth and interactivity to the experience.
When Can You Try It?
Apple is expected to officially show off iOS 19 during the WWDC keynote on June 9. If tradition holds, the first developer beta will likely be available the same day. As for the public release? You can probably expect it to land in September, right around the time the next iPhone drops.
