Apple's iOS 27 is expected to debut with significant design updates, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Among the most anticipated changes is a revision to the tab bar system, which has been a point of contention for many users since the Liquid Glass design language was introduced in iOS 26.

Key highlights from the leak

Gurman's report outlines several systemwide design modifications planned for iOS 27. These include new animations when the on-screen keyboard appears—keys will slide up from the bottom of the iPhone screen—and redesigned tab bars across major apps. The tab bars are expected to reintegrate the search tab with other tabs, reversing a controversial change made in iOS 26 that split search into a standalone button.

The leak also mentions refinements to the Liquid Glass aesthetic that debuted last year. While Gurman previously hinted at general improvements, this latest detail indicates Apple is listening to user feedback and iterating on the design language.

The tab bar problem in iOS 26

iOS 26 introduced a transparent, minimized tab bar that collapses into a single icon when users scroll. This change affected apps like Photos, Music, and Podcasts, requiring an extra tap to expand the bar before switching tabs. The author, a long-time Apple user, notes that this extra step felt regressive compared to the always-visible tab bars of iOS 18 and earlier versions.

In contrast, some Apple apps—such as News, Books, and TV—retained the full tab bar visibility in iOS 26. This inconsistency further frustrated users who expected uniform behavior across the ecosystem. The hope is that iOS 27 will unify the tab bar design, making it always visible and reintegrated with search.

What the redesigned tab bars mean

By merging the search tab back into the main tab bar, Apple may be signaling the end of the collapsing tab bar feature. If the tab bar no longer minimizes, users will avoid the extra tap that has been a daily annoyance. Furthermore, as noted in the leak, the App Store and Games apps already received a similar update in iOS 26.4, integrating search without collapsing. This precedent suggests a systemwide rollout is likely.

Another benefit: if search remains part of the tab bar even during scrolling, users won't lose quick access to the search function. The current design sometimes hides search behind the collapse icon, adding friction.

Other iOS 27 design enhancements

Beyond tab bars, iOS 27 is expected to bring noticeable improvements to Siri's interface. The digital assistant may gain a more contextual and visually integrated design, moving away from the current full-screen overlay. System search (Spotlight) will also see visual updates, making results appear more seamlessly within the Liquid Glass framework.

Apps like Safari, Image Playground, and Weather are slated for redesigns as well. While specific details are scarce, the focus appears to be on consistency and reducing visual clutter.

The evolution of Apple's design language

Apple's design philosophy has shifted over the years, from the skeuomorphic designs of early iOS to the flat, minimal approach of iOS 7. The Liquid Glass style introduced in iOS 26 blended transparency with blur effects, reminiscent of glass surfaces. While praised for its aesthetic appeal, functional issues like the collapsing tab bar showed that beauty sometimes comes at the cost of usability.

Historically, Apple has been responsive to user feedback. The company's iterative approach—evident in the transition from iOS 6 to 7, or the refinement of Control Center over multiple versions—suggests iOS 27 will address the most common criticisms of Liquid Glass. The tab bar change is just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes keyboard animations, Siri redesigns, and more.

What users can expect

Based on the Bloomberg report, iOS 27's design changes are not revolutionary but rather evolutionary. They aim to polish the existing Liquid Glass language while fixing usability pain points. For many users, the most impactful change will be the tab bar behavior—eliminating the extra tap required to access different sections of an app.

The keyboard animation, while minor, adds a touch of fluidity that enhances the overall experience. Siri's redesign could make the assistant feel more like a natural part of the interface rather than an interruption. Together, these updates signal that Apple remains committed to refining its software.

Why this matters for the future of iOS

iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 alongside other updates to iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The design choices Apple makes this year could set the tone for the next several iterations. By addressing one of the most vocal user complaints—the tab bar collapse—Apple demonstrates that it values long-term usability over short-term novelty.

The integration of search back into tab bars also hints at a broader strategy: simplifying navigation to reduce cognitive load. This aligns with current design trends that favor clarity over flashy animations. As Apple continues to compete with Android's Material Design and other UI systems, maintaining a coherent and intuitive visual language is crucial.

While not every app may adopt the redesigned tab bars immediately, the systemwide implementation suggested by the leak indicates strong commitment. Third-party developers will likely follow Apple's lead once the new guidelines are released with the iOS 27 beta.

Key facts extracted from the article

• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports iOS 27 will include design changes across Siri, system search, Safari, Image Playground, Weather, and more.
• Systemwide changes include new keyboard animations and redesigned tab bars that integrate the search tab.
• iOS 26's collapsing tab bars required an extra tap to access tabs; iOS 27 may fix this by keeping tab bars always visible.
• The App Store and Games apps in iOS 26.4 already integrated search without collapsing, serving as a model for the broader update.
• Liquid Glass refinements are expected, building on the previous year's design language.
• The redesign aims to reduce user frustration and improve overall usability.

Overall, iOS 27's changes, while not radical, promise to address specific pain points that have irked users since iOS 26 launched. The focus on tab bars and keyboard animations suggests Apple is carefully listening to feedback and iterating on its design language. With the official reveal just weeks away, users can look forward to a more polished and cohesive experience.

Source: 9to5Mac News