Apple is relocating the search bar to the bottom of the screen from iOS 19

By
Surakshya Acharya
-
iOS 19 Update Rumor
Image credit: Jon Prosser’s Front Page Tech
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Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19 at WWDC in less than two months. And while many users are anticipating a refreshed design, one rumored change could have a major impact on usability, especially for those with larger iPhones. A simple tweak to the search bar’s location may make the iPhone feel more comfortable than ever. Let’s talk about it in detail.

iOS 19 update rumor

A change designed for bigger iPhones

As iPhones have gotten larger. Especially models like the iPhone 16 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, reaching the top of the screen has become increasingly difficult (for someone like me with smaller hands). In iOS 18, the standard in-app search bar sits near the top, often requiring two hands or a thumb-stretching effort to access.

iOS 19 brings a search bar to the bottom of the screen
Image: Jon Prosser

That’s set to change in iOS 19. According to leaker Jon Prosser, Apple is relocating the search bar to the bottom of the screen, putting it right within reach of the user’s thumb. This ergonomic shift means searching in apps will now feel smoother, faster, and more natural.

Consistent access across apps

The new placement isn’t just about convenience, it’s about consistency. Prosser’s mockups show the search bar appearing at the bottom across different types of apps. In Messages, where the search bar currently hides behind a pull-down gesture, iOS 19 will make it permanently visible and easy to reach. Even apps that already have a bottom tab bar, like Apple Music and the App Store, will see this change. The relocated search bar will likely integrate seamlessly into these interfaces.

This move signals a broader functional redesign in iOS 19. It reflects an understanding of how users actually interact with large-screen phones today.

A redesign that matches modern usage

iOS hasn’t seen a major redesign since before iPhone screens got supersized. While visual polish is always welcome, it’s these kinds of usability-focused changes that can truly transform the experience. By bringing the search feature closer to where your fingers already are, Apple is showing a renewed focus on comfort and practicality.