iOS 19 Mockups Spark Debate: Gurman Says They Miss the Mark Apple enthusiasts got a jolt of excitement today when leaker Jon Prosser shared mockup images purportedly showcasing the upcoming iOS 19 design. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman quickly stepped in to temper expectations, claiming these visuals don’t reflect the real direction Apple is taking. With iOS 19 still months away from its official reveal at WWDC 2025 in June, the clash between leakers has reignited discussions about what’s in store for Apple’s next mobile operating system update.

Collage of smartphones, highlighting iOS 19 features with various home screen layouts. Screens display nature photography, people, a cat, and app icons with diverse themes and color schemes. Each phone showcases unique arrangements and styles.

Jon Prosser, known for his bold leaks via Front Page Tech, unveiled mockups he insists are based on the “real deal” version of iOS 19 he’s seen firsthand. The images spotlight subtle tweaks rather than a radical overhaul. For instance, the Messages app mockup features navigation buttons with a slightly more rounded, glassy look and a softer keyboard design. The Lock Screen, meanwhile, sticks close to its current form, with minor updates like enhanced translucency for notifications. Prosser’s take suggests Apple is opting for refinement over revolution—hardly the seismic shift some anticipate.

These mockups align with earlier whispers that iOS 19 will borrow design cues from visionOS, the software powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Think translucent interfaces and a sleek, modern aesthetic. But Prosser’s restrained vision has left some fans scratching their heads, especially given prior reports promising a major redesign.

Four smartphones showcasing iOS 18.2.1: a person in a colorful dress; a photo gallery brimming with images; a flight notification on a home screen filled with apps; and an intuitive settings screen with enhanced control features.

Gurman’s Rebuttal: “Expect More”

Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg reporter with a strong track record on Apple scoops, didn’t mince words. Posting on social media, he stated, “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.” He doubled down in his Power On Discord channel, suggesting Prosser’s source material is either outdated or incomplete: “He either has very old screenshots or hasn’t seen the real thing.”

Gurman’s critique carries weight. He’s previously hinted that iOS 19 will usher in “one of the most dramatic software overhauls in [Apple’s] history,” with a visual refresh “loosely based” on visionOS. Expect updated icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons—changes that could “fundamentally” alter how users interact with their iPhones. If Gurman’s right, Prosser’s mockups might only scratch the surface of what’s coming.

What’s the Real iOS 19?

While Prosser’s images keep things tame, Gurman’s teases point to a bolder transformation. He’s suggested Apple aims to unify its software platforms—iOS, iPadOS, and macOS—under a cohesive, visionOS-inspired look. This could mean more than just rounded corners or glassy buttons; it might involve rethinking navigation and interactivity across devices. Yet, Gurman remains tight-lipped on specifics, leaving room for speculation until Apple’s big reveal in June.

The disconnect between the two leakers isn’t new—Prosser and Gurman have clashed before. Prosser’s hit-or-miss track record contrasts with Gurman’s more consistent insider insights. Still, mockups, accurate or not, fuel excitement and debate among tech fans hungry for a peek at Apple’s next move.

Why It Matters to Users

For iPhone users, iOS 19 could be a game-changer—or just another iterative update. If Gurman’s predictions hold, this redesign might streamline the experience across Apple’s ecosystem, making your iPhone feel more in sync with your iPad or Vision Pro. Practical impacts—like faster access to features or a cleaner interface—could make daily use more intuitive. But if Prosser’s closer to the truth, it’s more of a polish than a reinvention, leaving bigger changes for another year.

Either way, Apple’s keeping its cards close. With WWDC 2025 still months off, today’s mockup spat is just the opening act. As Gurman put it, “Expect more from Apple in June.” For now, the tech world waits—and debates.

A screenshot showcasing the new iOS 18.2 Live Activities feature on an iPhone lock screen.

Tom Richardson
About the Author

Tom is a passionate tech writer hailing from Sheffield, England. With a keen eye for innovation, he specializes in exploring the latest trends in technology, particularly in the Apple ecosystem. A devoted Mac enthusiast, Tom enjoys delving into the intricacies of macOS, iOS, and Apple’s cutting-edge hardware.