Apple is rumored to be considering a visual refresh for its operating systems, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Recent reports suggest the company might draw inspiration from the translucent, glass-like interfaces seen in visionOS for future updates to its platforms. If these speculations materialize, it could represent Apple's most significant design shift since the introduction of flat design with iOS 7 in 2013.
The visionOS Influence: Potential Design Direction
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman has suggested that the transparent, glass-inspired interface elements currently found in visionOS (the operating system powering Apple's Vision Pro headset) could potentially influence Apple's broader ecosystem. The current visionOS design language features distinctive transparent and floating interface elements that create a sense of depth and dimension.
While Apple hasn't officially announced any such changes, the company typically maintains strict secrecy around major updates until they're unveiled at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is traditionally held in early June each year.
iPadOS: Evolving Toward Enhanced Productivity
Beyond visual changes, Gurman has previously reported on Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance iPadOS with improved multitasking capabilities, productivity features, and better app window management to make iPads function more like traditional computers.
Some Apple observers, including leaker Majin Bu (who has a mixed track record for accuracy), have speculated about potential future updates that could further bridge the gap between iPads and Macs. However, these remain unconfirmed predictions rather than announced features.
Apple's Ecosystem Integration Strategy
Apple has consistently worked toward creating a more unified experience across its platforms. This approach of standardizing interface elements across devices simplifies the user learning curve while emphasizing the benefits of owning multiple Apple products. It also streamlines development for app creators who optimize their software for multiple Apple platforms.
In his reporting, Gurman has frequently highlighted Apple's efforts to create more consistency across its operating systems, particularly in aligning Mac and iPad experiences.
Engineering Challenges: Balancing Beauty and Performance
Translucent UI elements require sophisticated engineering to implement effectively. On Apple's platforms, these effects are typically created using the UIVisualEffectView class with blur and vibrancy effects applied to background content. While visually striking, these elements demand more from device hardware, particularly the GPU and CPU.
Apple's designers must balance aesthetic appeal with performance considerations, especially for older devices that might struggle with rendering complex translucent interfaces. The company also needs to address accessibility concerns, ensuring that translucent elements don't reduce readability or create issues for users with visual impairments.
Apple's Historical Software Development Cycle
Historically, Apple announces new operating systems at WWDC in June, followed by several months of developer beta testing throughout the summer. Public releases typically come in September, often alongside new hardware announcements.
Apple has established a pattern of introducing major design overhauls every several years. The shift to flat design with iOS 7 came in 2013, and now in 2025—twelve years later—many analysts are watching for signs of another potential visual refresh.
Learning from Current visionOS Design
The current visionOS interface, with its emphasis on depth, translucency, and floating elements, creates an immersive experience that blends digital and physical environments. This design philosophy has been well-received by many Vision Pro users and developers since the device's launch in early 2024.
Some interface design experts have noted that elements of this approach could potentially translate well to traditional screens, though any implementation would need to be adapted for different use contexts.
Apple's Design Evolution: From Skeuomorphism to Flat Design
Apple's design philosophy has undergone significant evolution over the years. The original iPhone OS featured skeuomorphic design elements that mimicked real-world materials. iOS 7 abandoned this approach for flat design with minimalism and bold colors.
A potential move toward more translucent, glass-inspired interfaces could be seen as finding middle ground—maintaining the digital-first approach of flat design while reintroducing depth and dimension through transparency rather than through literal real-world textures.
Microsoft has pursued a similar path with its Fluent Design System, which emphasizes materials like "Acrylic" for transparency and blur effects. However, Apple's approach has always maintained the company's distinctive minimalist aesthetic while focusing on coherence across its uniquely diverse ecosystem of devices.
As Apple continues to refine its design language across platforms, the tech community watches closely for hints about the future direction of interfaces that millions of users interact with daily.
