Sketchy rumors suggest iOS 18 to get VisionOS-inspired UI،
There is widespread speculation that iOS 18, scheduled for release later this year, will undergo significant design changes influenced by visionOS, the operating system that powers the recently launched Apple Vision Pro headset. View details.
iOS 18 is rumored to have a VisionOS-inspired design
The rumors began to spread following an article in The Verifier, an Israeli newspaper known for its technological insights. According to internal sources, iOS 18 and its equivalent, iPadOS 18, could take inspiration from visionOS, perhaps paving the way for a significant change in the user interface. According to these sources, menus, tabs and other interface elements could benefit from a “refreshing new vision” influenced by the particular appearance of the headset's operating system.
VisionOS, although it shares fundamental characteristics with iOS, has a distinct visual identity defined by various differentiating traits. Above all, rounder shapes replace traditional square designs with smoother, more curved edges for buttons, windows, and other user interface components.
Additionally, visionOS incorporates subtle shadows and depth, giving the interface a layered and three-dimensional appearance, presumably corresponding to the spatial awareness found in AR/VR situations. That being said, the upcoming iOS 18/iPadOS 18 could see similarly inspired floating features, such as overlapping windows and UI components, similar to how virtual apps materialize in visionOS, and could find their way into the design of iOS 18.
Recent changes to iOS and iPadOS lend credence to the idea of an impending design revolution. Notably, the redesign of the Apple TV app in tvOS 17.2 included a translucent floating sidebar similar to the controls found in visionOS, indicating a possible path for the iOS 18 visual update.
However, despite the appeal of a new look, it is essential to manage expectations. Apple is well known for keeping details under wraps, and big iOS releases rarely include overall design changes. Some industry analysts remain skeptical, saying more modest, incremental changes are more likely to occur.
This is just speculation, as Apple has yet to confirm any design changes for iOS 18. Even if the claims are genuine, the influence of visionOS may manifest in minor tweaks rather than a total overhaul of the interface.
Clarity on the design trajectory of iOS 18 is expected to emerge at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Additionally, the source of the information (The Verifier) has a mixed record when it comes to the severity of their leaks and so it's best to take the aforementioned design overhaul with a grain of salt.
Overall, whether or not iOS 18 adopts a visionOS-inspired style, the speculation sparks a thought-provoking discussion about Apple's future design choices. Given the growing importance of AR/VR technologies, it is not unreasonable to expect some visual components of visionOS to be incorporated into other Apple platforms.
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