A Fresh Take: Five New Apps, One Major Direction

Since the unveiling of iOS 7 in 2013, Apple has gradually made minor adjustments to its operating system, but it hasn’t introduced a comprehensive redesign – until now. The clues suggesting a new direction are evident in five fresh applications Apple has recently launched: 1. Journal 2. Apple Sports 3. Image Playground 4. Apple Invites 5. Apple Vision Pro (set to debut with iOS 18.4) Each of these apps flaunts innovative design elements, moving away from the traditional and signaling what’s on the horizon for iOS 19.

The End of the Tab Bar Era?

Historically, tab bars have been a staple of iOS design, prominently featured since the first iPhone was released. They served as an essential navigation tool, familiar to users across multiple generations of apps. However, Apple’s recent releases suggest a shift away from this longstanding feature. The iPhone’s new apps are notably sidestepping the tab bar interface, favoring more fluid navigation through single-page scrolling designs. Much like the controversial redesign of the Photos app last year, which ditched the tab bar in favor of a simplified approach, the new apps like Journal and Sports utilize hidden menus located near app headers, paving the way for a sleeker, more modern design. While not all apps may eliminate tab bars entirely, it's highly likely that iOS 19 will see a significant reduction in their usage, transitioning many apps toward a cleaner, single-page interface.

Design Patterns and Inspirations

Recent observations from UI design expert Parker Ortolani highlight that Apple is drawing inspiration from its other platforms like visionOS and watchOS. The Apple Sports app, for instance, features striking, colorful backgrounds and glassy UI elements, quite distinct from the current iOS aesthetic. Apple Invites takes this even further, boasting bold buttons and dynamic content layouts that scream modernity. According to Mark Gurman’s analysis, the new iOS 19 design will closely align with visionOS's style, incorporating floating design elements and layered shapes that enhance user experience and interaction.

iOS 19: A Much-Needed Refresh

As the iPhone approaches its two-decade anniversary, the need for a visual revamp has never been more pressing. The forthcoming iOS 19 seems to be the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate Apple’s flagship operating system, particularly against the backdrop of anticipated devices like the iPhone 17 Air and possible iPhone 17 Ultra, both set to make waves this fall. With a fresh design ethos on the horizon, what revolutionary features or aesthetic shifts are you anticipating from iOS 19? Stay tuned – it looks like Apple is gearing up to reinvent your mobile experience like never before!