Apple to Unveil “Solarium” UI Redesign at WWDC 2025

Apple is preparing to introduce a bold new software design language internally codenamed “Solarium” at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), according to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The redesign will serve as the central focus of WWDC 2025 and is being described as a major visual refresh that extends across iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, tvOS, and visionOS.

A Fresh Look Inspired by visionOS

Gurman describes Solarium as “slicker and more modern,” borrowing heavily from visionOS, the software powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Users familiar with visionOS often describe it as fluid, clean, and more immersive compared to traditional Apple interfaces.

This visionOS-style aesthetic will soon reach the rest of Apple’s platforms. Think updated icons, subtle translucency, dynamic shadows, and a floating tab bar that could become a consistent UI element across devices. The redesign will also emphasize consistency and unification, especially between macOS and iPadOS, as Apple pushes to make the iPad feel more Mac-like.

The Biggest UI Overhaul Since iOS 7

While iOS 7 in 2013 brought the most dramatic visual shift in iPhone history, Solarium may outdo it in scope—if not in shock factor. Unlike iOS 7, which focused solely on mobile, Solarium will reach every Apple OS, refreshing the visual language for Macs, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and even Vision Pro where applicable.

Apple's approach isn't just about making things prettier—it’s about building a cohesive experience across all devices. For users who switch between iPhone, iPad, and Mac daily, this change is expected to make multitasking and navigation feel more natural and consistent.

watchOS and tvOS Get the Refresh Treatment Too

Gurman notes that tvOS and watchOS will also receive their own versions of the Solarium refresh, aligning their appearance more closely with Apple’s core platforms. These updates may not be as feature-heavy as those for iOS or macOS, but they’re designed to modernize and harmonize the user experience across the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, visionOS will see adjustments where appropriate, ensuring the headset’s interface doesn’t get disrupted but still benefits from unified system elements.

A Different Take on the Future of Operating Systems

In an era where some tech companies are exploring AI-first platforms that potentially replace traditional OS models, Apple is taking a more grounded approach: refining, not replacing. Rather than abandoning the familiar, Apple is aiming to make it more elegant, more consistent, and more intelligent—powered by Apple Intelligence but rooted in the OS structure users already trust.

WWDC 2025: When and Where

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference will run June 9–13, 2025, with the keynote set for June 9 at 10 a.m. PDT. The event will be streamed online, with an in-person component at Apple Park for select developers, students, and press.

During the keynote, Apple is expected to unveil:

• iOS 19

• iPadOS 19

• macOS 16

• watchOS 12

• tvOS (new version)

• visionOS updates

All of these are expected to include elements of the new Solarium design.

Final Thoughts

Solarium could mark the beginning of a more visually unified and AI-enhanced Apple ecosystem, where switching between devices feels smoother than ever. If successful, this will not only set the tone for Apple’s software future but may also reshape how users think about the relationship between form, function, and platform continuity.

As always, the real test will be in how it feels to use—and we’ll get our first look when Tim Cook and the Apple team take the stage on June 9.