iOS 19 Messages Redesign: First Look and What to Expect

Apple’s iOS 19 update is one of the most anticipated software releases of the year, promising a major interface revamp across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, recent leaks suggest that the Messages app redesign might not be as dramatic as expected.

On the Genius Bar podcast, YouTuber Jon Prosser shared what is allegedly a screenshot of the new Messages app in iOS 19. While Apple fans were hoping for a complete visual overhaul, the changes appear subtle — mostly focusing on glass-like effects and rounded design elements.

Let’s dive into what this leak reveals about iOS 19’s design language and what else we might see at WWDC 2025.

A Closer Look at the iOS 19 Messages App Redesign

According to Prosser’s leak, the Messages app in iOS 19 retains much of its familiar layout, with only a few noticeable changes:

• Glass-like floating keyboard — The keyboard has rounded edges with a semi-transparent, 3D effect, giving it a sleeker look.
• Encapsulated icons — The back arrow and FaceTime icon now appear in glassy, bubble-like buttons, adding to the modern aesthetic.
• Minimal layout changes — Unlike previous expectations, the core interface of Messages remains mostly the same.

While the design refinements give a more futuristic look, they don’t drastically change the user experience — which might disappoint those hoping for a complete interface overhaul.

How Does This Fit Into iOS 19’s Bigger Design Overhaul?

Apple is reportedly working on a fundamental UI redesign for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously claimed that icons, menus, system buttons, and app layouts would all get a major facelift to match Apple’s Vision Pro design language.

Other leaked mockups of iOS 19 redesigns suggest that:

• The Apple Sports app and location-sharing pop-up will have the same rounded, glassy 3D appearance as the Messages app.
• The Home Screen may remain unchanged — a surprise given the scale of the rumored redesign.
• The Camera app is expected to be one of the biggest visual upgrades, possibly aligning with Apple’s Vision Pro interface.

With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, it’s unclear how much of iOS 19’s redesign will be as dramatic as rumored — but Apple is clearly leaning into a more refined, glass-inspired aesthetic.

As Apple introduces new software updates and visual enhancements, users often need to transfer mobile data between devices — whether it’s migrating to a new iPhone or sharing files across platforms. This is where Smart Transfer, a powerful third-party phone clone app, comes in.

Unlike Apple’s AirDrop, which is limited to Apple devices, Smart Transfer works across iOS and Android, making it an essential device clone tool for:

• Transferring messages, photos, and videos to a new device
• Sharing large files without compression or quality loss
• Moving data seamlessly between Apple and non-Apple devices

With iOS 19 promising deeper ecosystem integration, Smart Transfer ensures users can move their content freely — without being locked into Apple’s ecosystem.

What to Expect at WWDC 2025

With mixed signals from leaks and insiders, it’s still unclear how much Apple will change iOS 19’s interface. While Prosser’s leaked Messages app suggests a subtle refinement, other parts of iOS 19 could still undergo major transformations.

Here’s what we know so far:

• iOS 19 will likely have a refreshed design, but it may not be as drastic as expected.
• The Camera app could see one of the biggest visual changes.
• More glass-like, floating UI elements could be introduced across multiple apps.
• WWDC 2025 will be the official unveiling of iOS 19, giving us a full look at the changes.

Until then, Apple fans will have to wait and see whether iOS 19 delivers the “dramatic overhaul” that’s been promised — or if it’s more of an incremental visual upgrade.