iOS 19 May Turn Your iPhone into a Desktop Machine, Like Samsung DeX

Apple takes an interesting approach to creating a cohesive ecosystem of products. While each product runs its platform, they can still work together through features like AirPlay, AirDrop, Continuity, and Handoff. But come iOS 19, that could change as Apple could bring a Samsung DeX-like experience to the iPhone and iPad.

Apple’s iPhone is getting a Samsung DeX experience

According to tipster Majin Bu, they revealed some rather interesting and exciting information about the upcoming changes Apple will make to iOS 19.

For starters, it seems that iOS 19 will finally bring external display support to Apple’s USB-C iPhones. In the past, iPhone users could connect their phones to external displays, but this required adapters. Now, with USB-C support, iPhone users with monitors that support USB-C connectivity can plug their phones straight in.

But that’s not all.

Majin Bu also claims that when users connect their iPhone to an external display over USB-C, iOS 19 will give it Samsung DeX-like functionality with features like a Stage Manager interface. This makes it easier for iPhone users who need to do editing, make presentations, or just want better viewing options.

This isn’t just limited to the iPhone, though. Majin Bu claims that Apple will also give the iPad a more desktop-like interface with a Mac-style Menu Bar and better Stage Manager features. Many iPad users have long asked for better multitasking support on the iPad. It’s almost like a laptop already, especially when paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard accessory.

However, the software still feels largely like a bigger version of iOS instead of macOS. If this report is accurate, that will change in iOS 19.

Drastic changes in iOS 19

These changes are pretty drastic. We can’t say for sure if they’re accurate, but Majin Bu has been quite spot on with their leaks in the past. At the same time, we have been hearing rumors and seeing leaks that iOS 19 will be Apple’s most drastic update since iOS 7. Over the years, Apple has made changes to the overall design of iOS, but they have mostly felt iterative.

The only significant change we saw was from iOS 6 to iOS 7, where Apple ditched the skeuomorphic design in favor of a more modern style. Since then, the company has built on that with some minor UI tweaks here and there. In any case, Apple will officially unveil iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, which is scheduled for June. We have a couple more months of waiting to see if these rumors pan out.