Apple aping Pixel’s design for the iPhone 17 can be an actual low

I carried out a traditional comical double-take at this week’s leak of the iPhone 17 redesign. “Certainly this may’t be actual?” I assumed. Can Apple actually sink so low as to repeat Google’s stonkingly handsome Pixel 9 sequence?

Fan renders primarily based on the chassis recommend the brand new look received’t essentially clone the Pixel 9 totally; it would nonetheless have the distinctive raised lenses we’re accustomed to from latest iPhone designs reasonably than a shaded bar. Nonetheless, the horizontal digital camera setup and stacked flash are undeniably Pixel. Even when Apple isn’t intentionally copying the look (designs are deliberate years prematurely, in any case), Google’s aesthetic has been well-established because the Pixel 6, so the accusations will simply stick — at the least in tech-savvy circles.

Copycatting is nothing new, after all. What number of Android manufacturers rushed to observe Apple with a notch design regardless of it being hideous and arguably worse than a slim bezel? To not point out the historical past of Chinese language OEM skins flagrantly pinching from iOS. We’re used to the shoe being on the opposite foot (at the least aesthetically), however even the pretense that the iPhone would copy from an Android model — nonetheless typically unfairly thought-about the finances different — would certainly shatter any remaining phantasm that Apple stays the premium innovator.

From the early iPod to modern-day Macbooks, Apple has staked its status on distinctive industrial design. The truth that you recognize it’s an Apple product by seems to be alone is a part of its modern attraction, permitting the iPhone to command premium-tier pricing regardless of not essentially being essentially the most spec-packed or greatest value-for-money product available on the market. We would not prefer it, however it’s simply the opposite aspect of the blue vs inexperienced bubble coin that forestalls some from wanting over Apple’s fence.

On this sense, copycatting can be a far greater fake pas for the iPhone than most different smartphone manufacturers. Whereas Apple should revamp its getting older design in some unspecified time in the future, and there are solely so many digital camera placements to go round, it might need a more durable job convincing clients to pay via the nostril for a cellphone that might too simply be confused for a green-bubble-touting Pixel. Simply, eww, proper?

Or maybe not. Apple’s model energy is such that in style tradition would possibly even credit score the subsequent iPhone with popularizing the digital camera bar. Regardless of latest successes, Google’s Pixel remains to be a fairly area of interest product, in any case. If anybody can pull off that stage of client gaslighting, it’s Apple. Keep in mind that notch I talked about? Android did that first, too, technically, however few bear in mind or care.

Nonetheless, a probably controversial redesign couldn’t come at a worse time for Apple, which has certainly been dropping its luster to these prepared to take a look at the massive image. It actually doesn’t put on the pictures crown anymore, and the sluggish drip of beta-state Apple Intelligence options solely highlights how complacent and behind the curve the model’s software program growth has turn into. iOS 19 isn’t shaping up any higher, both. Moreover, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite has additionally snagged the efficiency trophy from its grasp.

In lieu of a swanky design, what latest accolades can the iPhone actually maintain as much as justify its declare to the apex of smartphone expertise? Regardless of acquainted seal-clapping for the iPhone 16, the sequence seems to be in a droop to me. Whereas which may sound like bitter grapes from an Android fan, Apple’s stake within the sought-after Chinese language market (which is much less loyal than the US) already seems to be below risk from native producers, reminiscent of a resurgent HUAWEI. Even Apple must land occasional wins to face out, and accusations of borrowing its newest design actually wouldn’t assist that trigger.

Anyway, I’m not suggesting that Apple’s supposed iPhone 17 redesign can be a catastrophe of any form. A change in seems to be is at all times controversial, however the titans of tech have weathered earlier storms properly sufficient. Not forgetting that Apple appears impervious to criticisms of iPhone aping Android, so a design that’s acquainted to the Google devoted is unlikely to wreck its mainstream US attraction. Nonetheless, for a corporation seemingly at sea for actually modern concepts, a redesign that appears eerily like your fastest-rising US competitor is sure to boost eyebrows from critics and followers alike. It’s simply not a very good look.