Apple’s iOS 7 operating system may have a ‘more flat’ starker and simpler user-interface if Sir Jony Ive’s new found influence over software is felt, according to reports on Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal claims the hardware design deity has been pushing for an iOS refresh since taking on the role as Human Interface Manager, in which he oversees hardware and software across the whole company.
Those familiar with the matter told the WSJ they do not expect sweeping changes when Apple takes the wrapper off iOS 7 at WWDC in July. However, with Apple facing accusations that the operating system is “outdated” and “five years old” in recent weeks, it seems that a new look and feel may be welcomed to fend-off ever-evolving threats from Android.
The report claims: “Ive is pushing a more “flat design” that is starker and simpler, according to developers who have spoken to Apple employees but didn’t have further details. Overall, they expect any changes to be pretty conservative. For the past few years, Apple has unveiled versions of its mobile operating system in the summer.”
Citing Apple sources the WSJ report claims the executive shake up, which began with the unceremonious departure of Scott Forstall, has led to a ‘thawing’ of relations between Apple’s hardware and software engineering teams.
Previously there had been little collaboration and Ive’s designers even had their own troupe of software engineers to test device prototypes in a bid to keep everything under lock and key.
Now, the WSJ reports, the iOS team is more involved with the vetting of prototype devices than ever before and Ive is sitting in on meetings with and making his presence felt on the software site of things.
The new era of collaboration at Apple is seemingly a direct result of Forstall’s dismissal. Reports at the time suggested there was no love lost between Ive and Forstall, which made collaboration difficult. Following his departure another Apple insider claimed he “got what he deserved.”
Forstall was a long-time Steve Jobs favourite and one of the first major decisions made by his successor Tim Cook was to serve him his walking papers. The decision seems to be paying dividends.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
