We’re simply weeks from the following WWDC, the place Apple will announce the following model of iOS. In accordance with rumors, iOS 19 would be the greatest change since iOS 7 when it comes to design, this time that includes a brand new interface reportedly impressed by visionOS.
I nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of utilizing iOS 7 for the primary time on my iPhone 5, and it was like I used to be utilizing a totally completely different telephone. There was lots to love and dislike, and even in spite of everything these years, I nonetheless miss features of iOS 6. With that in thoughts, I made a decision to revisit iOS 6 to see how a lot had modified from one model to the following—and what we are able to study concerning the subsequent dramatic shift.
Again to iOS 6: A unique world
iOS 6 was introduced in 2011, and though it wasn’t an enormous replace in comparison with the one that may comply with, it was nonetheless fairly controversial on the time. Most notably, Apple changed Google Maps with its personal Maps app with iOS 6, which introduced vital interface modifications, together with lacking options and a few main points with places.
After all, iOS 6 is not supported by Apple, and there’s no official approach to run it on iPhones and iPads. Nevertheless, for those who nonetheless have an previous gadget that was as soon as suitable with iOS 6, you possibly can downgrade your iPhone or iPad (though there are lots of issues that not work on this model, together with the aforementioned Maps).
iOS 6 was an easier time—with slide to unlock.
Foundry
With that in thoughts, my journey revisiting iOS 6 began with seeing the previous Apple brand with a mirrored image impact on boot, adopted by the previous Setup display. That alone introduced again a number of good reminiscences. It’s exhausting to neglect the linen-inspired background that was current in Setup, Notification Middle, and even Siri.
Whereas iOS 7 and the variations that got here after targeted on making all the pieces overly minimalist and fashionable, the previous iOS interface was rather more detailed with fake textures that resembled real-life objects (referred to as skeuomorphism): leather-based, wooden, linen, and so on.
After all, the Lock Display screen had no widgets or animated wallpapers, and Face ID wasn’t a factor. As an alternative, customers needed to “Slide to Unlock,” a enjoyable approach to make first-time iPhone customers conversant in multi-touch gestures. There was additionally a sound impact of a padlock being unlocked.
However probably the most outstanding characteristic of iOS 6 is the very first thing you see if you unlock your iPhone: the Residence Display screen. The 3D design of the icons pops out of the display if you see them on a tool with a Retina show. This, mixed with the bolder textual content, gives the look that you just’re a printed web page moderately than pixels on a display. Even the wallpapers, particularly the water droplets, have been visually attractive.
The icons had rather more character, too. The Digital camera app icon resembled the rear sensor of the primary iPhone moderately than a generic digicam, whereas apps like Passbook (former Pockets) and Contacts had a pleasant leather-based texture. This character was additionally carried into every app’s interface as nicely.
The Notes app appeared like a real-life notepad with yellow paper pages, and there’s a pleasant delicate element on the prime to simulate torn pages. Particular consideration was additionally paid to the system’s animations. In case you created a brand new word, you’d see an animation as for those who had turned a web page on a real-life pocket book.
iOS 6’s skeuomorphism was a nod to the real-world gadgets it was mimicking.
Foundry
In Passbook, there was a powerful animation for deleting tickets, which simulated paper being shredded. Voice Memos additionally appeared cool on iOS 6, with the big metallic microphone and a VU meter that reacts if you communicate or faucet the microphone. The quantity indicator shines as you progress the iPhone in your hand.
After which there’s Siri. This was my favourite model of the Siri interface, largely due to its shiny microphone button with the glowing purple mild that pulsed as you spoke. It felt so futuristic but actual, such as you have been really interacting with a bodily object.
iOS 6 was the end result of 5 years of Apple interface design and all the pieces felt extra enjoyable and alive.
iOS 7 arrived in 2013, marking the primary main iOS redesign. Skeuomorphism gave approach to an easier interface with strong backgrounds and no textures. Stylized buttons have been changed by textual content, and superbly designed icons have been changed by flat shapes.
iOS 7: Fashionable however boring
It was a dramatic, even stunning change. On the one hand, iOS 7 appeared much more fashionable than iOS 6. However however, enjoyable interface components additionally turned extra boring. In iOS 7, the Notes app was only a white display the place you write textual content, and the identical utilized to the overwhelming majority of iPhone and iPad apps.
We additionally misplaced most of the skeuomorphic animations that, whereas not mandatory, have been a pleasant contact and all the time introduced a smile to my face each time I noticed them. With the change, iOS misplaced its character and character.
iOS 7 eliminated a lot of a originality of iOS.
Foundry
Personally, I imagine that iOS 7 marked the start of a brand new period for Apple. It set out a contemporary aesthetic that may be adopted not solely by Apple in its forthcoming merchandise, but in addition by different firms. Are you able to think about a product just like the Apple Watch working one thing like iOS 6?
However on the identical time, the character that iOS had light over time because the interface turned flatter and, nicely, duller.
iOS 19: Classes from the previous
Now that I’ve returned to iOS 18, it’s exhausting not to take a look at Apple’s present OS with out pondering of the rumored redesign. Though it’s unclear whether or not the iOS 19 redesign might be as vital as iOS 7 was, seeing iOS 6 once more made me understand that Apple can study a number of issues from its previous.
iOS 6’s skeuomorphic interface may not slot in with present requirements, however I’d like to see some features of skeuomorphism make a comeback on iOS. Issues just like the reflection impact that strikes as you tilt your telephone, and enjoyable animations would undoubtedly go a great distance towards making iOS extra enjoyable and distinctive once more.
Siri has gone by way of quite a few modifications over time—will iOS 19 deliver one other one?
Foundry
Curiously, Apple appears to be flirting with depth and realism once more — simply have a look at macOS Huge Sur icons or the translucent glass results in visionOS. Bringing again extra shadows and depth all through the system wouldn’t damage, particularly in terms of icons. I like Mac app icons as a result of they’ve a pleasant steadiness of contemporary and skeuomorphic.
And please, Apple. Give us some cool wallpapers once more.
May Apple shock us by wanting again to maneuver ahead? Again when Apple launched iOS 7, it was about pushing the iPhone into a contemporary period that may final for greater than a decade. This yr’s change is reportedly about consistency, and stories say the brand new design will lengthen to all gadgets, not simply the iPhone. With that in thoughts, Apple has a chance to set a brand new path, not simply iOS, however for all of its OSes, that fuses type with performance—and somewhat enjoyable.
