Apple iOS 7 UI Rumors are Flying – Black, White, and Flat

“Black, white, and flat all over.” This is what the world can expect of the Apple iOS 7 (the name chosen by tech media speculators over iOS 6.2), when the new Apple operating system is unveiled on June 10. The tech giant’s developer conference is just two weeks away and rumors are flying all around.

Facelift

This summer’s developer conference will definitely feature the next generation of iOS devices and so far the best lead points to a visual make-over. This is the first time that the mobile OS gets a facelift of this magnitude, if such is the case. And the word is that a more unified look is also to be expected of Calendar, Mail, and Maps apps. There are no confirmations of any kind and it looks like the rumors would only be proven true (or false) when the Apple WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) opens in June.

Much to look forward to

It is expected that the upcoming WWDC will be featuring exciting announcements on new developments particularly on the OS X and iOS. Everyone at the tech industry and consumers as well are looking forward to the keynote from CEO Tim Cook. For now, the talk is centered on iOS 7 speculations and the cool surprises it may have in store.

New leadership

The new look of the user interface (UI) is definitely part of the recent change of hands. VP Scott Forstall is no longer head of iOS and John Browett has left retail as well. Jonathan Ive, Apple’s lead designer has taken on the role of interface designer. Ive is now at the helm and it is evident that he is intent on making a huge departure from the status quo.

More speculation

For John Ive, officially the Senior VP of Industrial Design for Apple, it is goodbye to heavy textures and hello to a sleeker form. The design aesthetic is going to be muted and flat, if what’s circulating in tech circles are to be believed. Ive’s current designation has made him in charge not just of the aesthetics of the hardware but the software as well.

The upgrades to the new OS may be huge enough such that it paves the way for iDevices. The challenge for Ive and the rest of the team is to maintain a balance between a new and better interface with the familiarity that millions of Apple users worldwide expect.

What to expect

Here’s what Apple users the world over can expect, if the rumors are to be trusted. The home screen will present apps with still rounded corners, but the icons are free of gloss and shine. No more shadows either. The notifications panel will be rid of its linen texture and instead will be replaced with flat white and black. The calendar app will say goodbye to the leathery look and feel as well. And this also means goodbye to the Newsstand wood shelves and Game Center classic green felt.

What’s also being circulated is that the apps will have a white base and a unique color scheme unique to each. In a gist, the modifications are in line with the current trends in web and mobile design for the past year and a half.