Newest iOS 19 redesign rumor hinges on sketchy iMessage mockup


iMessage might see small modifications for iOS 19


Newest iOS 19 redesign rumor hinges on sketchy iMessage mockup

A mockup shared by a leaker with a poor monitor report allegedly depicts iMessage in iOS 19 with a redesigned keyboard and round buttons, however not a lot else.

Jon Prosser has had a tough couple of years after some extremely improper leaks, however he is making an attempt a comeback. It appears he is prepared to stake what’s left of his repute as a leaker on two 2025 releases — iOS 19 and iPhone 17.

The iMessage mockup was shared by Prosser throughout a Genius Bar podcast. Within the episode, Prosser additionally says {that a} video that includes iOS 19 leaks was inbound within the coming days, so keep tuned for that.

A number of components make this screenshot look like extra of a mockup than screenshot. Prosser tends to have his render artists, presently Asher Dipprey, make new mockups primarily based on precise leaks to guard sources.

The iMessage chat itself is probably going only a screenshot of a dialog between Dipprey and Prosser, although the timestamps counsel this mockup might have existed since a minimum of February 18. Additionally, it seems that the FaceTime button was added after the very fact, because it lacks any transparency to the picture beneath.

The FaceTime button and again button have a reflective ring round them, and the sting of the keyboard has an analogous reflective border. One might assume that mild strikes barely when the iPhone is tilted.

These components stand out because the “redesigned” parts of iMessage, although there are different tweaks. Extra on these in a second.

Prosser exhibits the mockup on the 43 minute mark.

First, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional does have rounded buttons that characteristic a light-weight bouncing off of 1 edge — particularly within the keyboard. Nevertheless, the consequences are far more delicate than what’s proven right here.

Buttons that rise up in a 3D impact from the UI are likely to have shadow gradients beneath them, and the FaceTime and again button on visionOS iMessage should not 3D. Because the digital keyboard is its personal window, it will get its personal periphery chrome, however even that is not represented accurately on this mockup.

So, if it is a redesign meant to unify working methods, Apple would wish to vary components of visionOS as effectively. This doesn’t make it nearer to visionOS in practically any respect.

Virtual keyboard with rounded keys displayed over a rocky landscape, featuring suggested words 'i,' 'the,' and 'apple' above the keyboard layout.
The keyboard in visionOS is distinct from the urged redesigns within the mockup

In line with how the present keyboard works, it appears there are a couple of oddities with how the mockup was put collectively. They clearly needed it to say “Entrance Web page Tech” within the textual content suggestion, and left the primary button highlighted as if the person was urgent on it.

There isn’t any lively cursor within the iMessage textual content discipline, however one might assume that it’s mid-blink, although the Shift key can be highlighted if auto-capitalization was on. Additionally, the return secret is a darkish blue for no obvious cause.

It appears extremely unlikely that Apple would have such a low-contrast shade scheme, even in a darkish mode keyboard. The sting of the textual content suggestion field additionally does not align with the sting of the keyboard correctly.

Additionally, the brand new glyphs for the emoji and microphone look like one other odd alternative. The present ones are stuffed in and simpler to see, particularly on telephones with smaller keys.

Observe additionally that backspace and shift are inexplicably not keys.

Person wearing headphones holds smartphone with an open messaging app, displaying a conversation. Background includes a microphone and office setting. Text reads 'GENIUS BAR PODCAST'.
There’s quite a lot of oddities with this mockup. Picture supply: Genius Bar Podcast

There’s a likelihood that Prosser noticed an actual screenshot of the brand new iMessage app and different components of iOS 19, however this mockup is an odd one. Maybe it feels unfinished as a result of it’s.

There are doubtless many prototypes and mockups on varied apps that undergo Apple’s growth group earlier than touchdown on a remaining model. Prosser’s unique iOS 19 digital camera interface leak appeared in January, which might imply the model he has could be very early.

It has been urged beforehand that Apple finalizes working system updates in December, then spends the following six months attending to developer beta 1.

Prosser talked about within the podcast that he is heard via the grapevine that engineers at Apple do not absolutely perceive how he has entry to completed photos. That they’ve solely seen early ideas and never remaining UI.

Properly, which may be as a result of Prosser additionally solely has entry to pick out early sketches or mockups. His render artists are nice at creating reasonable representations, so maybe they’re touchdown near what Apple’s builders have made with the identical info.

Close-up of a smartphone camera interface showing aspect ratio settings, photo and video mode options, and exposure timer on a screen with a landscape background.
Prosser’s earlier iOS 19 digital camera design leak. Picture supply: FPT

Trying again at Prosser’s earlier Digital camera app leak, there are some similarities, however odd variations too. The Digital camera app screenshot exhibits one thing a lot nearer to Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional’s UI, however lacks the sunshine reflections on button edges.

He additionally talked about within the podcast that the general “redesign” was restricted and folks anticipating one thing like iOS 7 in scale shall be dissatisfied. The House Display is allegedly mainly untouched — although the thumbnail for the episode exhibits a foolish mockup with spherical icons.

Prosser appears to be doubling down on his info this time. It is a good time to try to re-enter the Apple leaks sport as main OS redesigns and flashy digital camera bars are anticipated.

Nevertheless, if this finally ends up being just like the colourful MacBook Air redesign rumors, the iPhone 14 retro redesign rumors, or the flat-sides Apple Watch rumors — there’ll doubtless be backlash. That stated, Prosser will land on his toes because of his glorious topical movies on Apple.

Given the WWDC 2025 announcement Tuesday, I anticipate there shall be some new design components throughout each working system. Small tweaks like those proven in Prosser’s mockup are doable, although, as with every render or mockup, the actual deal will doubtless be higher executed.