What is Solarium? Everything we know about Apple’s biggest UI overhaul in a decade
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETIf the rumors are true, Apple is working on its biggest visual overhaul to its mobile operating system since iOS 7 — which famously ditched skeuomorphic features in favor of flat design. It reportedly plans to update the look of icons, menus and windows, system buttons, and even apps. But that’s not all: The company wants to extend this overhaul to all its devices. Also: Apple WWDC 2025: What to expect from iOS 19, VisionOS 3, and moreAccording to Bloomberg, Apple wants a more consistent appearance across its operating systems — from the iPhone to Vision Pro — and it will use WWDC 2025 to reveal this big update that’s currently being called Solarium. What is Solarium? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first reported in March that iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and MacOS 16 will receive new designs, including more translucency for a glass-like appearance. Now, in May, he’s claiming the codename for this major redesign is known internally at Apple as Solarium. It’s meant to conjure thoughts of bright, glass-walled rooms full of sunlight. Also: 6 things I did immediately after installing iOS 18.5 on my iPhone – and why you should tooThis leaked codename is seen as evidence that the company wants a translucent, modern look. Gurman also said Solarium is expected to touch every corner of Apple’s software ecosystem — not just the iPhone, iPad, and Mac — and it will be its biggest UI revamp in over a decade. There aren’t many details just yet, but the changes will “go well beyond a new design language and aesthetic tweaks.” How Solarium might change things More