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. “Absolutely this could’t be actual?” I assumed. Can Apple actually sink so low as to repeat Google’s stonkingly handsome Pixel 9 sequence?

Fan renders based mostly on the chassis counsel the brand new look gained’t essentially clone the Pixel 9 solely; it’d nonetheless have the distinctive raised lenses we’re accustomed to from latest iPhone designs quite than a shaded bar. Nonetheless, the horizontal digicam setup and stacked flash are undeniably Pixel. Even when Apple isn’t intentionally copying the look (designs are deliberate years prematurely, in spite of everything), 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 comply with 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 of the price range different — would absolutely shatter any remaining phantasm that Apple stays the premium innovator.

From the early iPod to modern-day Macbooks, Apple has staked its popularity on distinctive industrial design. The truth that you realize it’s an Apple product by appears alone is a part of its modern enchantment, permitting the iPhone to command premium-tier pricing regardless of not essentially being probably the most spec-packed or finest value-for-money product in the marketplace. We’d not prefer it, nevertheless it’s simply the opposite facet of the blue vs inexperienced bubble coin that stops 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 must revamp its growing old design sooner or later, and there are solely so many digicam placements to go round, it might need a more durable job convincing prospects 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 may even credit score the following iPhone with popularizing the digicam bar. Regardless of latest successes, Google’s Pixel remains to be a fairly area of interest product, in spite of everything. If anybody can pull off that degree of shopper gaslighting, it’s Apple. Do not forget that notch I talked about? Android did that first, too, technically, however few keep in mind or care.

Nonetheless, a doubtlessly controversial redesign couldn’t come at a worse time for Apple, which has absolutely been shedding its luster to these prepared to take a look at the massive image. It actually doesn’t put on the images crown anymore, and the gradual drip of beta-state Apple Intelligence options solely highlights how complacent and behind the curve the model’s software program growth has develop 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 appears 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 appears beneath menace from native producers, akin to 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 variety. A change in appears is at all times controversial, however the titans of tech have weathered earlier storms effectively 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 break its mainstream US enchantment. Nonetheless, for a corporation seemingly at sea for actually revolutionary concepts, a redesign that appears eerily like your fastest-rising US competitor is certain to lift eyebrows from critics and followers alike. It’s simply not an excellent look.