Apple: Have They Given Up On Design?

Today Apple held their second event within two months. Last month it was their new phones and watches. This month’s event was to announce the “new” HomePod Mini’s, whose only design change was they offered them in color. They also announced 3rd generation AirPods, which had a similar design just with a slight change back from AirPod Pros, and the “new” MacBook Pro which were more internal designs than outward appearance. With all these limited changes, we have to wonder if Apple has given up innovation for functionality.

Their biggest seller, the iPhone, hasn’t changed their design since the iPhone 7 other than the camera arrangement on the back and offering multiple sizes. They’ve updated their internal hardware, offer better camera and battery life, but other than that it’s more of the same with their phones.

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It’s not even like they’re trying anymore. Apple has switched to more of a subscription-based model and even that’s becoming frustrating. Their latest, Apple Music Voice Plan ($4.99), was glossed over with the least of explanation. To sum it up, “we all like music, pay for this voice plan with Siri”. That was it. How is it different than Siri before? What is the benefit for people to pay money for something they used to get for free? Have they really run out of ideas that now we’re charging for free services? Are we just paying for it to play through other devices? Hard pass. It’s almost laughable.

Then the next wave of HomePod mini’s was covered just as much. “Hey look, new colors and they do what the old ones did.” Nothing that they’re doing seems new or innovative under Tim Cook. Sure he’s brought the company more market value than it has ever had, but right now they need to make a splash to not alienate their loyal fanbase.

Now when it comes to the new Macbook, faster computers to try and pull in the gaming community and editors is a great idea, but even then they have the same look they’ve always had. They’ve even taken a step back and eliminated the one feature they’ve changed in the trackbar.

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Going all the way back to the latest Apple TV 4k, to fix the complaints of the remote they went back to the older style remote and just added a few buttons.

Now ask yourself, what have they really changed about iOS? “It’s faster and has better pictures.” Yeah, we have to admit the live text feature is cool, but even saying they have faster speeds isn’t really proving their selling point. They don’t even put it side by side from the old phone to recognize the difference. Most people won’t notice speed changes in their day-to-day life.

Apple might be valued as one of the best companies in the world right now, but gone are the days where they push the latest technology. They’ve hit a wall and don’t appear to care. Soon enough people will catch on and slowly will change their tune on the products they’ve come to love, especially when they start hanging price tags on services you’d normally get for free.

Apple no longer has the ability to “Think Different”.