Apple is preparing to showcase significant visual overhauls across its entire software ecosystem at the upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference, with watchOS 12 and tvOS 19 joining the previously rumored iOS 19 and macOS 16 redesigns. The comprehensive interface refresh, internally codenamed Solarium, draws inspiration from the Apple Vision Pro's visionOS platform and represents the most widespread design transformation since iOS 7's revolutionary changes in 2013.
Operating System Updates at WWDC 2025:
- watchOS 12 (Apple Watch)
- tvOS 19 (Apple TV)
- iOS 19 (iPhone)
- macOS 16 (Mac computers)
- visionOS (Apple Vision Pro - minor updates)
Comprehensive Platform Redesign Strategy
Apple's ambitious redesign initiative extends beyond individual operating systems to create a unified design language across all platforms. The company has been working to harmonize the visual experience between its devices, and the upcoming updates represent a significant step toward achieving this goal. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that these changes will be much more widely felt than previous updates, indicating a fundamental shift in Apple's approach to software design consistency.
visionOS Design Influence and Transparent Elements
The new interface design takes substantial inspiration from visionOS, particularly incorporating the glass-like transparent effects that define the Apple Vision Pro experience. These transparent UI elements are expected to appear across watchOS, tvOS, iOS, and macOS, creating a cohesive visual identity. The Solarium codename references glass rooms that allow abundant sunlight, symbolizing the transparent and luminous aesthetic Apple aims to achieve across its software platforms.
Key Design Features:
- Internal codename: "Solarium"
- Inspiration source: visionOS from Apple Vision Pro
- Main visual element: Glass-like transparent effects
- Design goal: Unified design language across all Apple platforms
- Navigation improvements and new icons across platforms
tvOS Receives Long-Overdue Visual Update
Apple TV users can expect the most dramatic transformation, as tvOS has remained largely unchanged while other platforms received regular visual updates. The current tvOS interface appears outdated compared to Apple's other software offerings, making this redesign particularly significant for the Apple TV ecosystem. The update promises to modernize navigation hierarchies within apps, introduce new icons, and potentially align the Apple TV experience more closely with iOS design principles.
watchOS 12 Modernization Efforts
The Apple Watch will also benefit from substantial visual improvements in watchOS 12, though specific details about the changes remain limited. The redesign aims to create a more modern and streamlined experience that aligns with the broader Solarium design philosophy. These updates will likely enhance the watch's user interface while maintaining the platform's focus on quick interactions and glanceable information.
WWDC 2025 Announcement Timeline
Apple's WWDC 2025 begins on Monday, June 9, where the company will officially unveil these software updates. The conference artwork already hints at the transparent design elements that will characterize the new interface style. Following the typical Apple release schedule, these updates will undergo several months of beta testing before reaching consumers, likely arriving in their final form during the United States fall release window in September.
WWDC 2025 Timeline:
- Event start date: Monday, June 9, 2025
- Beta testing period: June - August 2025
- Expected public release: September 2025 (following Apple's typical schedule)
Broader Implications for Apple's Ecosystem
This comprehensive redesign represents Apple's commitment to creating a more cohesive user experience across its entire product lineup. While the Apple Vision Pro hasn't achieved massive commercial success, its software design principles are now influencing the company's entire ecosystem. The unified design approach could strengthen the integration between Apple devices and make transitions between platforms more intuitive for users who own multiple Apple products.