iOS 19 Mockup Sparks Debate: Circular Icons and Glassy Design Steal the Show Ahead of WWDC 2025
- Mary
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
On March 26, 2025, tech enthusiast Andrew Clare (@andrewjclare) shared a striking mockup of iOS 19 on X, giving Apple fans an early glimpse of what could be a major redesign for the iPhone’s operating system. The post, featuring a sleek iPhone screen with circular app icons and a glass-like interface, has ignited a firestorm of reactions within the tech community. With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 set for June 9 to 13, speculation about iOS 19’s design is heating up.
But is this mockup the real deal, or just a concept stirring the pot?
A First Look at iOS 19: What the Mockup Reveals
The image shared by Andrew Clare shows an iPhone held in hand, displaying a home screen that breaks from Apple’s traditional design language. Gone are the familiar square app icons with rounded corners; instead, circular icons dominate the layout, giving the interface a fresh, modern feel. The background has a translucent, glass-like aesthetic, reminiscent of visionOS, the software powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This aligns with rumors reported by MacRumors and Cult of Mac, which suggest iOS 19 will adopt a visionOS-inspired design with glossy, translucent elements across apps, menus, and system buttons.
The mockup also hints at enhanced widget functionalities, with stackable and resizable widgets visible on the screen. This feature has been a long-standing request from iPhone users and was mentioned in the trending summary as a potential addition to iOS 19. The overall vibe of the design is sleek and futuristic, a departure from the flat design trend Apple has followed since iOS 7.
Community Reactions: Love It or Hate It?
Excitement and Optimism
The post quickly gained traction, with some users expressing excitement over the potential redesign. Michael (@MichaelUpchurc3 ) commented, “I’m really loving the redesign I’m just hoping Apple makes the software with a lot less bugs, brings big time stability improvements and a lot less lag than iOS 18.” His sentiment reflects a broader hope among Apple fans that iOS 19 will not only look good but also perform better than its predecessor, which has faced criticism for performance issues.
Skepticism and Criticism
However, not everyone is on board with the circular icons. Daniel Gomes (@danielfgom ) noted, “I prefer the square icon shape we have now. Just because it’s got history and is so closely linked to the iPhone identity.” Others were more vocal in their disapproval, with Red Kiyoko (@renatodelarento ) bluntly stating, “My god it’s so fucking ugly.”
The debate over circular icons has been a recurring theme, as Ymtt (@Ymtt_tech ) pointed out, “Why tf do y'all keep including circular icons? Mark Gurman said they arent happening, FPT also said it wont happen…”
Several users, including Jamie (@Lunnzies ) and Lucas (@DiamondboyLucas ), expressed a desire for Apple to make circular icons an optional feature, allowing users to stick with the traditional square design if preferred. Meanwhile, Tim ( @LuftkoppTim) and Tony (@TonyAndreasR ) questioned the authenticity of the mockup, with Tim asserting, “That’s not what iOS19 looks like lol,” and Tony suggesting it’s more of a concept than a leak.
The Bigger Picture: WWDC 2025 and iOS 19 Rumors
What to Expect at WWDC 2025
Apple has officially announced that WWDC 2025 will take place from June 9 to 13, with an in-person keynote at Apple Park, as confirmed by Mark Gurman ( @markgurman ) on X. The event is expected to unveil iOS 19, macOS 16, and other operating system updates. According to AppleInsider, WWDC 2025 may also bring updates to Apple Intelligence, with a focus on improving Siri’s capabilities, though new AI features for iOS 19 seem unlikely based on Cult of Mac’s reporting.
The WWDC 2025 logo, which features a visionOS-like “25,” has further fueled speculation about a unified design language across Apple’s platforms. MacRumors noted that iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 are also expected to adopt this glassy, translucent aesthetic, creating a cohesive look across Apple’s ecosystem.
Is This Mockup Legit?
Despite the buzz, there’s skepticism about the mockup’s accuracy. Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple insider, commented on X, “iOS 19 images floating around aren’t representative of what we’ll see at WWDC. They look to be based on either very old builds or vague descriptions, missing key features.” Gurman’s statement, echoed in a MacRumors article, suggests that while the mockup may capture some elements of iOS 19’s design, it’s not the full picture. Jon Prosser, the leaker behind the mockup (via Front Page Tech), has a mixed track record, as noted by commenters on MacRumors who criticized his accuracy.
Prosser has previously shared mockups of iOS 19, including a redesigned Camera app with translucent buttons and a Messages app with rounded navigation elements, as reported by MacRumors and Cult of Mac. However, Gurman’s warning indicates that Apple may have more surprises in store when iOS 19 is officially unveiled in June.
What’s Next for iOS 19?
The debate over iOS 19’s design highlights the high stakes for Apple as it prepares for WWDC 2025. Fans are eager for a refresh, but they also want a stable, functional update that builds on the foundation of iOS 18. With rumors of a visionOS-inspired design, enhanced widgets, and a focus on visual overhaul rather than new AI features, iOS 19 could be one of the most significant updates in recent years—if Apple delivers on the hype.
For now, the tech community remains divided on the circular icons and glassy aesthetic. Whether this mockup is a true leak or just a concept, it’s clear that iOS 19 is shaping up to be a hot topic as we approach June. What do you think of the redesign? Are you Team Circular Icons, or do you prefer the classic iPhone look? Let us know in the comments!
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