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iOS 19’s Floating Tab Bar and New Home Screen: What’s Changed?

By / Tech / June 4, 2025

Rumors suggest that iOS 19 will introduce a floating tab bar, redesign the icons, and feature a glass-like interface inspired by visionOS.

iOS 19’s Floating Tab Bar and New Home Screen: What’s Changed?
iPhone 16 lineup to be succeeded by the iPhone 17 lineup (Image via Apple)

According to the latest leaks and speculation, Apple plans to introduce significant changes with the launch of iOS 19. While Apple hasn’t confirmed the name as 19, some leakers claim that the company will rename it to iOS 26.. That said, the upcoming iOS update, internally codenamed Solarium, draws inspiration from visionOS to create a more translucent type, glass-like interface across the entire operating system. Here are the changes that are expected to be available by the launch.

Disclaimer: Please note that all information here is based on leaks and internal test builds. Features and iOS name may change at full release.

Floating Tab Bar Design

Picture of the iOS 18 user interface
Image showing the iOS 18 user interface (Image via Apple)

According to the latest leaks and rumors, Apple plans to introduce a pill-shaped floating tab bar that will appear at the bottom of applications. More apps are on the way, but according to the news, Apple Music, Apple TV, Messages, and Phone apps will receive support first. Apple will also extend its tab view to third-party applications, allowing everyone to access it. 

That said, leakers expect the floating tab bar to deliver additional improvements.

  • Adaptive behavior – The tab bar hides during scrolling to maximize screen space and reappears with a gentle swipe.
  • Quick context switching – Tapping a tab icon twice brings up recent activity or pinned content.
  • Third-party support – API access to allow developers to implement tab experiences in their apps.
  • Universal placement – Appears situationally at the bottom, but floats above content, similar to visionOS.

These enhancements aren’t just visual. Apple is reportedly focusing on one-handed ease of use, especially for larger iPhones. Animations are springy yet subtle, influenced by the fluidity of Dynamic Island and watchOS’s gesture-led UI. Finally, iPhone SE and mini lovers will find something to appreciate in these larger devices.

Home Screen To Receive Meaningful Updates

  • Customizable icon shapes (internal builds only): Long-press to reveal a rounder version; reverts after a delay.
  • New widget behavior: Smart stacks now apply a slight blur to blend with wallpaper colors.
  • Dock redesign: Slightly raised for better usability.

Conclusion

If these leaks prove to be accurate, iOS 19 could be a significant upgrade from iOS 7. Very subtle, yet it hits the right spots. There is more to be unveiled after WWDC 2025 on June 9, where Apple is expected to show the first developer beta. The public rollout is scheduled for September, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone 17 series. Until then, fingers crossed.

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