On June 9, 2025, the attention of the tech scene will be focused on Apple: this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be one of the most exciting keynotes in recent years. While competitors such as Google and Samsung are focusing their developer conferences entirely on artificial intelligence, Apple is taking a different approach – with a comprehensive redesign of all operating systems, as Bloomberg reports. The new design language, referred to internally as “Solarium”, is set to fundamentally change the visual appearance of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro.
Apple is not only using WWDC 2025 to present new software versions, but also for the biggest design change since iOS 7 – a step that will affect the entire Apple ecosystem. The announcement is a clear signal: instead of AI fireworks, Apple is focusing on visual consistency, elegance and a fresh user experience across all devices this year.
In a nutshell:
- “Solarium” brings a bright, modern design to all Apple platforms
- iOS 19, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS receive a unified visual update
- Inspired by visionOS: new buttons, transitions and backgrounds
- Artificial intelligence only plays a minor role – mainly for battery optimization
One design system for all devices
With “Solarium”, Apple is pursuing the goal of standardizing the user interface across all platforms. While previous designs between iPhone, Mac and Watch often had their own visual languages, the focus is now on a uniform approach. The name “Solarium” says it all: bright surfaces, light-flooded color schemes and airier layouts are to characterize the new aesthetics – inspired by the design of visionOS, which was introduced with the Vision Pro.
We expect profound changes in typography, new rounded buttons, softer transitions and an increased focus on depth and transparency. The visual language should not only appear more modern, but also make the user experience more intuitive. The fact that Apple is aiming for the biggest redesign since iOS 7 shows how seriously the company is taking this step – a clear statement against the current overload of AI features in the industry.
What does this mean for developers and users?
For developers, the redesign is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Existing apps have to harmonize with the new visual standards, which requires adjustments to the design and user guidance. At the same time, the new design language opens up opportunities for more appealing app experiences and a more consistent ecosystem.
For users, the focus is on convenience: anyone who regularly switches between Apple devices is likely to benefit from the new, uniform look across all devices. In addition, “Solarium” could provide greater clarity, for example through simplified navigation elements and visually clearer structures.
Despite all the visual innovations, WWDC 2025 will be comparatively restrained from a technical perspective. According to current reports, the long-awaited AI innovations – especially for Siri – will only be presented in a watered-down form. Functions for battery optimization and a kind of “AI doctor” for system maintenance will probably be the most prominent representatives of machine learning this year.
Conclusion: less AI, more clarity
WWDC 2025 makes a bold visual statement. With “Solarium”, Apple is venturing the first major redesign in over ten years – and drawing clear design lines for the future. While AI is in the spotlight at other tech giants, it is taking a back seat at Apple for the time being. Instead, the focus is on aesthetics, uniformity and user-friendliness.
Prices or release dates for iOS 19 and the other operating systems are traditionally not announced until the official launch. However, a beta version for developers should be available immediately after the keynote on June 9. The final releases are expected – as usual – in fall 2025.
