As per leaks so far, iOS 19 is set to be a major design update for iOS. With iOS 18, we have some elements that don’t fit with the rest of the UI, like the Action Button control menu or the iMessage sharing screen. These were hints at a major redesign sooner or later. Now, new leaks show that iOS 19 might get more rounded app icons and translucency around elements.
The leak comes from FrontPageTech (fpt.) on YouTube, and the leaker has mixed accuracy. As per the source, the clips in the video are recreated videos of actual iOS 19 footage, which was apparently provided by insiders from within Apple. The design takes inspiration from visionOS, and it doesn’t follow the current iOS design principles.
We see a lot of glassy effects, and some translucent effects for buttons, menus, and navigation bars. The design is described as “glass-like.” One of the biggest design changes shown in the video is the icons.
For a very long time, icons on iOS have followed a “Squircle” shape, which is somewhere between a square and a circle. As per the leak, iOS 19 might move to much rounder icons. However, there’s confusion on whether it’s a fully round icon or still a hybrid shape.
There’s a chance that Apple is trying to hide the new round icons from leakers, and the company is probably hiding them by default. On internal iOS 19 builds, Jon Prosser claims that the round icons only appear if you long-press on a squircle icon. It’ll switch to the round app icon design only after this, and it’ll also show an animation while doing so.
Apple is reportedly also adding a new pill tab bar at the bottom of first-party apps. This includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Messages, the Phone app, etc. The search bar is now larger, and there’s an extra circular button on the left. Once you tap it, the search bar will return to the expanded tap bar. There are also new animations when performing these actions. The new search bar is probably persistent in the Messages app.
Since this new pill tab is at the bottom, Apple is likely focusing on improving the one-handed usability of iOS. It’s easier to reach the areas at the bottom of the screen than at the top.
The leaker has previously mentioned that Apple might bring a new mode to the camera app, where you can record videos with the front camera and rear camera at the same time. However, it might remain exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Moreover, the renders show that Apple is using a lot more rounded corners for UI elements. When you long-press an app, the haptic touch menu appears- that’s apparently redesigned now, and you’ll see more rounded corners there. The volume and display sliders in the Control Center also may use more rounded corners now. Permissions for the camera and microphone also have a fresh new look.
Since Apple is focusing a lot on first-party apps with this update, the Settings app also had a few changes. The toggles now look slimmer.
As per a previous iOS 19 leak, there’s a new lighting effect to some elements. The lock screen quick toggles apparently shimmer as you move the phone. This is a good throwback to the now-removed parallax effect. If you want to test iOS 19, you can download the developer beta after WWDC 2025.
