apple | design and technology news, projects, and interviews https://www.designboom.com/tag/apple/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:19:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 ‘if you want colors back, you will have to pay for them’: is chromophobia on the rise? https://www.designboom.com/design/if-you-want-vibrant-colors-back-design-pay-minimalist-06-10-2025/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:30:48 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1138087 nowadays, brands are shifting their identities to a lot less color. for them, it’s not just a passing trend. it’s part of their design strategy.

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Future of design has fewer colors and more minimalism

 

Recent designs have switched from using colors in their identities and branding to looking more modern and minimalist with monochromatic hues. On June 9th, 2025, Apple unveiled the Liquid Glass UI, which turns all the apps, buttons, and controls on iOS 26 transparent. Users have weighed in on the update on our Instagram post, and among the comments, Ray Casa Cirett’s says, ‘if you want colors back, you will have to pay for them.’ It opens the discussion of brands and companies recently leaning more towards more modern and minimalist logos and identities. This means they’ve lessened the use of vibrant colors. Google, for example, has turned their name in some of their apps into grayscale and just put the colors in their logos. Burger King used to have three color schemes, with a blue ring around the logo. Now, it’s the company’s name in red sandwiched in two orange buns.

 

Automotive and aviation industries have shifted to using fewer colors in their designs and identities, too. One of the recent ones is Korean Air. From having a bright blue backdrop and a swirling, circular pattern in red and blue, its logo has become a single, rippled line in dark blue. Cadillac, too, used to have an emblem filled with red and gold color blocks and the script-written name of the car manufacturer under it. Today, it has the same emblem design, but just in black on a white background. BMW’s communications logo predominantly had the black ring, which allowed the blue and white blocks in the middle to stand out. That was until 2019 because in 2020, the black ring was replaced by a transparent background, making it hollow. The circle and company name are colored white.

minimalist colors design
graph showing changes in the color of objects over time | image courtesy of Science Museum Group | study here

 

 

Brands have shifted their identities to ‘simpler’ designs

 

The minimalist designs and colors aren’t just a trend for some brands and companies. They’re part of their design strategy. Some studies have documented that losing colors from brand identities or making them more minimalist helps consumers understand them clearly because they’re easy to look at. They also look ‘harmonious,’ which can create a sense of trust between the design, brand, and consumers. Their message is clear too because there is less ‘noise’ in the graphics. Another reason companies shift their identities to fewer colors and more minimalist designs is because these styles are more adaptable to modern devices.  

 

Technically speaking, websites need adjustable branding for different screen sizes, so having simple colors and word styles works well in digital platforms. These designs help brands be seen clearly on modern devices, too. The less-is-more design strategy is also a way to filter out too much digital information happening at once. The burst of colors in brand identities can ‘confuse’ the users as to what they are. Simple designs use clear shapes, few colors, and easy-to-understand words, so this combination makes it easy for them to remember the brand. Fewer colors and minimalist designs then stand out because they’re not messy; they’re easier to recognize and understand.

minimalist colors design
Google goes monochrome for some of their brands | logo images courtesy of Google LLC

 

 

Price to pay when changing designs

 

Having fewer colors in designs can also mean cheaper production and printing. There’s no need, then, for different inks and sizing when producing merchandise. In case brands, and in return the consumers, want to bring back the vivid colors and not the minimalist design, they’d have to pay for them. Reports have mentioned that branding changes can cost around 50,000 USD, and it depends on how big the brand or company is. Small changes alone, including adding a splash of hues to the logo or text, can already cost around a thousand and up from different agencies. Even users who want to toy around with apps to add hues to their designs may need to pay, too.

 

When buying refurbished gadgets, the prices vary depending on the devices’ color and condition. Usually, brighter ones like gold, silver, blue, and pink are less affordable compared to black, gray, and white ones. While it’s cheaper for the brands and companies to use minimalism and monochromatic or fewer colors in their designs, it also means less ‘life.’ It advocates the less-is-more philosophy, and it’s being related to ‘quiet’ luxury. The future of design is starting to look bleak, then. It doesn’t have to be, but only if companies see the worth in, or start, bringing the colors back. In the meantime, the number of brands adopting this style keeps on growing.

minimalist colors design
Burger King’s new identity removes blue color | image courtesy of Burger King

minimalist colors design
Korean Air’s branding switches to a singular, dark blue color | image courtesy of Korean Air

Cadillac also removes the red and gold colors from the blocks in its updated logo | image courtesy of Cadillac
Cadillac also removes the red and gold colors from the blocks in its updated logo | image courtesy of Cadillac

Apple's Liquid Glass UI makes the buttons transparent | image courtesy of Apple | read more here
Apple’s Liquid Glass UI makes the buttons transparent | image courtesy of Apple | read more here

BMW's communications logo removes the black filling around the emblem | image courtesy of BMW
BMW’s communications logo removes the black filling around the emblem | image courtesy of BMW

 

project info:

 

brands: Apple, Google, Burger King, Korean Air, Cadillac, BMW | @apple, @google, @burgerking, @koreanairworld, @cadillac, @bmw

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apple unveils liquid glass interface that makes apps and buttons on iOS 26 transparent https://www.designboom.com/design/apple-liquid-glass-ui-apps-buttons-ios-26-transparent-wwdc25-06-09-2025/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:00:28 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1137891 planned for a september 2025 release, the redesign is present in iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and CarPlay to make all the devices uniform.

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Apple liquid glass UI makes the button see-through

 

During the WWDC25, Apple introduces the Liquid Glass UI for iOS 26, a software redesign that makes the apps, buttons, and toolbars see-through. Planned for a September 2025 release, the redesign also celebrates iPhone’s 20th anniversary, even if it’s in 2027. The look is present in iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and CarPlay to make all the Apple devices uniform. Even Safari and Camera apps will be transparent. Reports say that the brand plans to demonstrate the Liquid Glass UI during the WWDC25 at Apple Park HQ in Cupertino, California, on June 9th, 2025.

 

So far, the Apple Liquid Glass UI uses clear toolbars, and the controls look shiny. The apps and buttons have a ‘glassy’ look as if they were made from polished glass. The home screen icons have round edges too with a semi-translucent background. In the snippet that the company released, the icons may only have spurts of vibrant colors, unlike the other iOS updates. This means only parts of the icons have rainbow-esque shades, from yellow to pink, and the rest of the design is minimal and ‘see-through.’

apple liquid glass UI
all images courtesy of Apple

 

 

A change from the last iOS7 update in 2013

 

The Apple Liquid Glass UI is a significant visual change for the brand. The last time they redesigned their software and look was in 2013 with iOS 7. Here, they went from using real-life design to ‘flat’ designs with bright colors. The upcoming UI, then, is a change, but an expected one, given that the brand aims for ‘clarity’ in its designs. The Apple Liquid Glass UI shares the style of the VisionOS. The buttons and toolbars move like liquid or as if they were floating, and the elements can change their size and adapt to the surroundings and backgrounds. 

 

It’s not just blurring or making the background transparent, as the glass elements take on colors from the interface. These floating icons then have the same shading or palette as the wallpaper or backdrop since they’re see-through. The theme of glass in the UI isn’t new to the brand, either. Apple has already filed patents dating back to 2014 on all-glass iPhones, Apple Watches, and even Macs. So far, there are no updates yet on the rollout of the Apple Liquid Glass UI. This is a developing story. designboom expects to update the story in time for the brand’s announcements.

apple liquid glass UI
during the WWDC25, Apple introduces the Liquid Glass UI for iOS 26

apple liquid glass UI
the apps and buttons ‘float’ over the backdrop

apple liquid glass UI
the transparency allows the new background to mimic the surroundings of the buttons and controls

the update is present across all Apple devices
the update is present across all Apple devices

detailed view of the interface
detailed view of the interface

apple liquid glass UI
the software redesign makes the apps, buttons, and toolbars see-through with partial coloring

apple-liquid-glass-interface-iOS26-transparent-designboom-ban

the design is a change from the bright colors of the previous iOS

 

project info:

 

name: Liquid Glass UI

brand: Apple | @apple

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miniature mac is a functional replica of the original 1984 apple computer https://www.designboom.com/technology/miniature-mac-functional-replica-original-1984-apple-computer-128k-05-27-2025/ Tue, 27 May 2025 10:30:03 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1135442 it is 62 mm high, around the size of a matchbox, and has USB keyboard and mouse support.

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functional miniature Apple Mac that users can bring anywhere

 

There’s a functional miniature Mac in town, and it’s the replica of the original 1984 Apple computer. The mastermind behind it is Nick Gillard. He’s inspired by the project of Matt Evans named pico-mac. He describes his version, then, as pico-mac-nano. It is 62 mm high, around the size of a matchbox, and has USB keyboard and mouse support. Since it is open-source, users can buy the parts and build their own functional miniature Apple Mac.

 

While the creator bases his design off of Matt Evan’s project, he downsizes it further and still makes it work without needing to plug it into an external monitor. He challenges himself to build the smallest possible Maci replica, using affordable and modern parts, including an LCD screen, all powered by a tiny Raspberry Pi Pico chip. The result, so far, gives him a functional miniature Apple Mac that users can carry in their pockets and use anywhere.

functional miniature apple mac
all images courtesy of Nick Gillard (1-Bit Rainbow)

 

 

Components fit inside the tiny 3D printed case

 

Nick Gillard wants the original 1984 Apple Mac display for his functional miniature replica. To do it, he needs a screen with at least 512 pixels across, because that’s how wide the classic Macintosh screen was (512×342 pixels). He has found a 2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 640×480 pixels and changed the Mac firmware to output a 480×342 image instead of 512×342. In this way, the screen keeps its native resolution with no pixel suffering. Now that the LCD issue has been solved, the creator readies the case of his functional miniature Apple Mac.

 

The case should be exact because he needs to fit all the other components in a tiny box, not just the screen and the chip. Luckily, he has found a smaller version of the Raspberry Pi Pico Board, made by WaveShare. This helps insert all the parts into his 3D printed, custom Mac case based still on the original 1984 Apple computer. He also positions the USB-C port in the same spot as the ports in the original computer to fully follow its design. Then, he manages to squeeze in a micro-SD card and slot for storage. He even engraves a 1-bit rainbow Apple-style logo inside the back panel of the 3D printed case where the real Mac had the signatures of the original team.

functional miniature apple mac
it is 62 mm high, around the size of a matchbox, and has USB keyboard and mouse support

 

 

Nick Gillard recreates the Picasso box of the original computer

 

The front panel of the functional miniature Apple Mac has a cut-out for the LCD screen and a bracket to hold the internal parts, just like the original Macintosh. For the reset and boot-select buttons on the Pico, the creator makes a click-in piece to press them without needing to open the case. He also carefully shapes the inside of the case to reduce the amount of support material needed when printing, saving time and use of plastic. The functional miniature Apple Mac looks finished, but Nick Gillard isn’t yet. The creator wants to go the extra mile.

 

He does so by recreating even the miniature version of the 1984 Apple computer’s ‘Picasso’ box. He has found a box manufacturer in India who can produce a white, full-color printed box made from corrugated cardboard, just like the real one but only scaled down. There’s even 3D printed polystyrene casing the functional miniature Apple Mac to protect it from scratches. This is the pico-mac-nano’s collector’s edition, the one that’s complete with a custom box, inserts, and accessories. Handy users can make them on their own, and Apple fans who want to bring back the original Mac and carry it anywhere now have the chance to own a scaled-down version of it.

functional miniature apple mac
since it is open-source, users can buy the parts and build their own functional miniature Apple Mac

functional miniature apple mac
the 1984 Apple Macintosh next to the replica

tiny Raspberry Pi Pico chip powering the unit
tiny Raspberry Pi Pico chip powering the unit

the creator also recreates the miniature version of the ‘Picasso’ box
the creator also recreates the miniature version of the ‘Picasso’ box

the full-color printed box comes from corrugated cardboard
the full-color printed box comes from corrugated cardboard

miniature-mac-functional-replica-original-1985-apple-computer-nick-gillard-designboom-ban

as seen, view of the replica and its 3D printed case

 

project info:

 

name: pico-mac-nano

design: Nick Gillard 

project: pico-mac by Matt Evans

files: here

parts: here

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jony ive works with sam altman to develop openAI’s new tools and design products https://www.designboom.com/technology/jony-ive-sam-altman-openai-tools-design-products-io-05-22-2025/ Thu, 22 May 2025 09:50:23 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1134513 in an interview, the duo says they’ve already been working on a device, which they describe as ‘the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.’

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Io by jony ive merges with sam altman’s openAI

 

Jony Ive, LoveFrom studio’s co-founder together with Marc Newman, announces creating AI tools and design products under ‘io’ for Sam Altman and OpenAI. The former Apple Chief Design Officer and AI company founder discuss the upcoming products in an interview. Their collaboration pivots back to 2024. During this year, Jony Ive co-founded io, an engineering and product development company, with his former Apple designers Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan. Later on, OpenAI bought io for around 6.4 billion USD, its dubbed biggest acquisition yet. In the interview released by the AI company on May 21st, 2025, Jony Ive and Sam Altman talk about their plans for OpenAI’s io. First off, io is now its own department at OpenAI with its own team of engineers and developers.

 

‘io is merging with OpenAI, formed with the mission of figuring out how to create a family of devices that would let people use AI to create all sorts of wonderful things,’ the duo says. They add that they’ve already been working on a device. While it’s not yet clear what it is, Sam Altman shares that Jony Ive has already given him one of the prototypes to take home. ‘I’ve been able to live with it, and I think it is the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen,’ the OpenAI founder says. So far, their description includes having a magic intelligence in the cloud and possibly testing the ‘limit of what the current tool of a laptop can do’ in terms of how the device operates. OpenAI’s io, by Jony Ive and Sam Altman, plans to push the first series of their collaborative device in 2026.

LP12-50 for Linn | image courtesy of Linn
Jony Ive’s LP12-50 for Linn | image courtesy of Linn; read more here

 

 

new technology that ‘can make us our better selves’

 

As the interview between Jony Ive and Sam Altman progresses, they talk more about the personal inspiration San Francisco, where they’re currently based, gives to them. The OpenAI founder then hints at him wanting to ‘democratize smart tools’, to which the io co-founder replies with ‘what I see you worrying about are other people, are about customers, about society, about culture. And to me, that tells me everything I want to know about someone.’ After that, the duo discuss creating a new generation of technology that ‘can make us our better selves.’ 

 

io by Jony Ive and Sam Altman focuses more on developing products under OpenAI. They’re developing and working with research- and engineering-based devices in San Francisco. Before co-establishing io in 2024, Jony Ive co-founded the collective LoveFrom with his friend and fellow designer, Marc Newson. He joined Apple in 1996 and left the company after two decades as the Senior Vice President of Design. During his tenure, he worked on many of the company’s classic designs, including the iPod, earlier Macbooks, iPhones, and iPads, as well as the iOS 7.

Jony Ive has also worked for Aibnb | image courtesy of Airbnb
Jony Ive has also worked for Aibnb | image courtesy of Airbnb; read more here

jony ive openAI io
iPhone 3Gs next to iPhone 4s | image courtesy of Zach Vega, via Wikimedia Commons

iPod 5th Generation | image courtesy of Mikepanhu, via Wikimedia Commons
iPod 5th Generation | image courtesy of Mikepanhu, via Wikimedia Commons

the duo says they've already been working on their first device's prototype
the duo says they’ve already been working on their first device’s prototype

Jony Ive is the former Apple Senior Vice President of Design
Jony Ive is the former Apple Senior Vice President of Design

jony-ive-sam-altman-openAI-tools-design-products-io-designboom-ban

Jony Ive and Sam Altman discusses OpenAi’s io in an interview

 

project info:

 

name: io 

co-founder: Jony Ive

collective: LoveFrom

company: OpenAI | @openai

founder: Sam Altman

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apple users will be able to control their iPhones with just their minds https://www.designboom.com/technology/synchron-brain-implant-users-iphones-ipads-minds-apple-05-15-2025/ Wed, 14 May 2025 23:20:34 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1132860 synchron’s stentrode works with apple’s new BCI HID protocol, making brain signals a native input like touch, voice, or typing.

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Synchron’s BCI Brings Mind-Controlled Access to Apple Devices

 

Marking a major leap in neurotechnology and accessibility, Synchron is the first company to achieve native integration between a brain-computer interface (BCI) and Apple devices, enabling people to control iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro with nothing but their thoughts. The breakthrough pairs Synchron’s implantable Stentrode™ system with the newly announced BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol by Apple, which officially recognizes brain signals as a native input category alongside touch, voice, and typing. ‘This marks a defining moment for human-device interaction. BCI is more than an accessibility tool, it’s a next-generation interface layer,’ shares Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO and co-founder of Synchron. ‘With BCI recognized as a native input for Apple devices, there are new possibilities for people living with paralysis and beyond.’


all images courtesy of Synchron

 

 

brain-computer interface unlocks digital autonomy

 

This direct connection Synchron allows between mind and machine, creating hands-free, voice-free access to Apple’s ecosystem for people living with motor impairments such as ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injury. Implantable brain-computer interface company Synchron’s BCI works with built-in accessibility features like Switch Control, translating neural activity into real-time interaction with screens, apps, and interfaces. Users can send messages, browse content, or even create art simply by thinking.

 

Unlike traditional assistive tech that mimics physical inputs, Synchron’s BCI enables bidirectional communication with devices, allowing for contextual feedback based on UI layouts and screen content. This closed-loop system means the more the user engages, the smarter and more intuitive the interface becomes.


Synchron’s implantable Stentrode™ system pairs with Apple’s BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol

 

 

Neural data powers next-gen AI

 

At NVIDIA’s GTC 2025 conference, Synchron also unveiled Chiral™, its foundation model of human cognition — trained directly on neural data, marking the dawn of Cognitive AI. Powered by NVIDIA Holoscan and Omniverse platforms, Chiral™ is designed to evolve into a self-improving model of human intention, enabling more adaptive and intuitive interactions. In a live demo, Synchron showed how users can control smart environments through thought alone, with Apple Vision Pro tracking eye movement and decoding intention in real time. The collaboration with NVIDIA represents a leap toward training AI not just on text or images, but on the brain itself.

 

 

 

Clinical trials empower users to regain communication

 

For many participants in Synchron’s clinical trials, the ability to independently use their Apple devices represents a return to communication, creativity, and digital autonomy. ‘When we ask our clinical trial participants what they want to do, it’s always about communication and creativity,’ notes Chief Commercial Officer at Synchron, Kurt Haggstrom. ‘And to most people, that means using their Apple devices. For Apple to recognize that need and respond to it demonstrates how much they value accessibility for their users. It has been an honor to meet with their teams and provide feedback to help make BCI HID a reality.’ Controlled trials with BCI HID integration are expected to roll out later this year, with native support across iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS accelerating Synchron’s path to commercial use.


Synchron’s BCI enables bidirectional communication with devices


Apple’s HID protocol by Apple recognizes brain signals as a native input category


Synchron’s BCI translates neural activity into real-time interaction 

 

 

project info:

 

name: Synchron x Apple BCI integration
companies: Synchron 

technology: implantable brain-computer interface (Stentrode™)

devices supported: iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro

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the lumon terminal pro computer from severance appears on apple’s web store https://www.designboom.com/technology/lumon-terminal-pro-computer-tv-series-severance-apple-website-03-27-2025/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:30:36 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1123863 when users click on the company’s mac series, the fictional device is the first on the list, right next to the most recent macbook air.

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Severance’s lumon terminal pro computer now on apple

 

The Lumon Terminal Pro computer from the TV series Severance now appears on Apple’s web store. When users click on the company’s Mac series, the fictional device is the first on the list, right next to the most recent Macbook Air. Fans of Severance might think they can own the Lumon Terminal Pro. The link, however, leads to a short movie documenting how series editors work on the show on their iMac.Design-wise, the computer brings back the retro look of the previous computing devices with a hint of futurism. 

 

The blue mechanical keys are in two shades of blue, with the lighter one for the command buttons. There’s also a trackball on the right, replacing the mouse and trackpad. The screen revives the style of the tube TVs in the past. Then, instead of taking up the entire width, which most computers these days do, the Lumon Terminal Pro only has a medium-sized display mostly positioned on the left. The rest of the space has a background colored in deep blue Then, there’s also a teardrop emoji blocking the camera, which sits at the top of the boxy screen.

lumon terminal pro severance
all images courtesy of Apple

 

 

Documenting the making of the season two finale 

 

Another nostalgic design feature of the Lumon Terminal Pro computer from the Severance show is the modern pixel font and style of the texts on the screen. At the present time, the computer isn’t available as an actual device, but just as part of the stunt to pull viewers into watching the making of the season two finale. Fans, though, hope that the brand produces merchandise of the show, given that its fanbase has grown over the last few weeks. Away from the computer’s design, Apple’s stunt allows the fans to dive into the inner workings of the TV show.

 

Geoffrey Richman, one of the show’s real-life editors and a three-time Emmy Award nominee, is joined by Ben Stiller, the show’s executive producer, in documenting the making of the season two finale. In the video, which the brand uploads on its website, Geoffrey Richman says he collaborates closely with director Ben Stiller for individual scenes before assembling the full episodes. For the season two finale, the editor manages 70 camera angles and takes for the marching band sequence. So far, season two of Severance, where the Lumon Terminal Pro computer is also present, is now streaming. There’s a third season confirmed with no official release date yet.

lumon terminal pro severance
design-wise, the computer brings back the retro look of the previous computing devices

lumon terminal pro severance
another nostalgic design feature of the computer is the modern pixel font of the texts on the screen

the blue mechanical keys are in two shades of blue, with the lighter one for the command buttons
the blue mechanical keys are in two shades of blue, with the lighter one for the command buttons

the short movie documents the making of the season two finale of the show
the short movie documents the making of the season two finale of the show

Geoffrey Richman syncing and reviewing about 70 angles and takes in real time
Geoffrey Richman syncing and reviewing about 70 angles and takes in real time

 

 

project info:

 

name: Lumon Terminal Pro

series: Severance

brand: Apple | @apple

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apple files patent for foldable watch with two movable screens and cameras https://www.designboom.com/technology/apple-files-patent-foldable-watch-movable-screens-cameras-03-21-2025/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:50:18 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1122687 released on march 20th, 2025, the document filed by the apple design lead vladimir krneta details the description of the device.

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movable screens on Wearable electronic device 

 

Apple files a patent for a foldable watch, or a ‘wearable electronic device’, that comes with two movable screens and cameras. Released as a report on March 20th, 2025, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the document filed by the Apple Design Lead Vladimir Krneta on September 20th, 2023, details the description of the device. First, the foldable Apple watch with cameras includes a frame with a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part has a band attached to it, while there’s a display on the movable part.

 

This screen even has an outer display with a sensor, making it a back-to-back display. While there’s a hinge bonding the two screens, the patent of the dubbed foldable Apple watch with cameras explains that the dual screen is continuous. This means it’s creaseless, as if it were just a single screen. The hinge also connects the fixed and movable parts. The movable part can rotate in different directions, one of which is at a right angle. There is another part that rotates in the same plane as the fixed part, but here, it turns in a different direction. The patent says that the wearable electronic device includes an optical sensor placed adjacent to the display.

foldable apple watch cameras
all images courtesy of Apple, unless stated otherwise

 

 

Apple’s patent for foldable watch with cameras

 

The dubbed foldable Apple watch has two cameras. The first one is on the screen, placed in the external screen of the upper movable display. Then, a bigger inner screen bears the second camera. In short, the first camera faces outside, and the second camera faces inside. Users can change the viewing angles of both cameras by adjusting the outer housing. The patent states that users can also share the camera views to another device. The inner screen can either be made of separate smaller displays or one large display, allowing for customization.

 

There’s a main body and a movable screen for the dubbed foldable Apple watch with cameras. The screen has two sides: one with a display on the front and another on the back. It can switch between an open and closed position. A support structure connects the screen to the main body, and a strap is attached to the watch. The support structure stops the screen from moving past a certain angle when open. It also allows the screen to rotate. So far, the patent, filed by the Apple design lead, indicates the potential birth of the brand’s foldable watch with cameras.

foldable apple watch cameras
Ultra 2 case and Band Apple Watch Hermès Ultra Single Tour

foldable apple watch cameras
image generated using Google AI’s Imagen 3 with the prompt foldable Apple watch with two screens

foldable apple watch cameras
view of the smartwatch’s frame | all graphics courtesy of patent filed by Vladimir Krneta on USPTO

it even has an outer display with a sensor, making it a back-to-back display
it even has an outer display with a sensor, making it a back-to-back display

the movable part can rotate in different directions, one of which is at a right angle
the movable part can rotate in different directions, one of which is at a right angle

apple-files-patent-foldable-watch-two-screens-cameras-designboom-ban

so far, there’s only a patent filed for the device

 

project info:

 

name: Wearable electronic device

company: Apple | @apple

filed by: Vladimir Krneta, Apple Design Lead

patent: here

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mediclinics’ U-flow® earns good design award, following footsteps of tesla and apple https://www.designboom.com/design/mediclinics-uflow-good-design-award-public-bathroom-hand-dryer-03-11-2025/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:10:39 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1119733 mediclinics’ u-flow® hand dryer wins prize after prize for its revolutionary design, joining the list of iconic innovations like the tesla model s and apple’s iphone.

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U-FLOW® JOINS THE LIST OF the world’s MOST INFLUENTIAL DESIGNS 

 

Mediclinics’ U-Flow® hand dryer continues to gain international recognition, securing the prestigious Good Design Award after its win at the iF Design Awards 2024. Joining the ranks of other Good Design Award recipients like the Tesla Model S, a trailblazer in automotive design, and Apple’s iPhone, which revolutionized mobile technology, U-Flow® redefines hygiene and functionality in public restrooms. With its sleek, ergonomic design and advanced technological features, the first double-award-winning hand dryer cements its place among the world’s most innovative solutions.


Mediclinics celebrates another milestone as U-Flow® wins Good Design Award | all images courtesy of Mediclinics

 

 

MEDICLINICS’ first DOUBLE-AWARD-WINNING hand dryer

 

With over 50 years of experience, Mediclinics has become a leader in designing hand dryers and bathroom accessories. The minimalist and ergonomic U-Flow® captured attention for its efficiency and ease of use, providing a fully hygienic hand-drying experience in high-traffic environments. After being selected from among 10,800 entries at the iF Design Award, the family-run Spanish company celebrates its most recent accomplishment in 2025 with the renowned Good Design Award. Founded by design icons Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Edgar Kaufmann Jr., the award is presented by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.


the minimalist U-Flow® redefines public restroom design with its ergonomic, modern shape

 

 

GOOD DESIGN AWARD in BATHROOM AND ACCESSORIES category

 

Mediclinics’ U-Flow® hand dryer earns its prestigious awards not only for its ergonomic design but also for its integration of advanced technology and user-centric features. Besides its sleek, aerodynamic U-shape, which allows for unrestricted hand movement, components such as the HEPA filter, Biocote® antibacterial additive, and an ionizer work together to eliminate bacteria and viruses, meeting the highest hygiene and comfort standards required in high-traffic public spaces.

 

This functionality is matched by its eco-friendly credentials, offering up to 80% energy savings compared to traditional hand dryers. Despite its low power consumption, the U-Flow® does not compromise on performance, guaranteeing a quick drying experience for users. Installing the U-Flow is equally effortless, thanks to its plug-in technology that requires only three steps and ten seconds for setup, ensuring convenience for both installation and maintenance.


after 50 years of experience, Mediclinics has become a leader in designing hand dryers and bathroom accessories


by winning the Good Design Award, U-Flow® joins the list of the world’s most influential designs


the hand dryer follows the footsteps of Tesla’s Model S and Apple’s iPhone

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Mediclinics’ U-Flow® is the world’s first double-award-winning hand dryer

project info: 

 

name: U-Flow®

company: Mediclinics

awards: iF Design Award; Good Design Award

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apple unveils affordable iPhone 16e with action button that unlocks cars & identifies objects https://www.designboom.com/technology/apple-iphone-16e-affordable-price-artificial-intelligence-02-19-2025/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:16:00 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1117146 apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, an addition that brings powerful performance and intelligent features at a more accessible price.

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An affordable option in the iPhone 16 Lineup

 

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, an addition to its latest smartphone lineup that brings powerful performance and intelligent features at a more accessible price. While maintaining the sleek design and advanced technology of its higher-end counterparts, this iPhone stands out by offering a more affordable option without compromising on core functionality. This strategic move makes cutting-edge Apple technology available to a broader audience.

 

At the heart of the iPhone 16e is the new A18 chip, designed for high-speed performance. Apple pairs this with the introduction of the C1 modem, its first in-house cellular modem, which enhances connectivity while optimizing power efficiency. The combination of these components ensures that the iPhone 16e is capable of handling demanding tasks while preserving battery life, making it a compelling choice for users who need reliability without the premium price tag.

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images © Apple

 

 

A Design Built to Last

 

Apple continues to refine its hardware durability, and the iPhone 16e is no exception. With an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a Ceramic Shield front cover, and the toughest back glass in a smartphone, this model is built for longevity. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, featuring OLED technology, provides an immersive visual experience ideal for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use.

 

One of the most striking aspects of the iPhone 16e is its extended battery performance. Apple claims that this model lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than previous iPhone SE generations. This significant upgrade ensures that users can go longer between charges, whether they are working, traveling, or streaming content.

 

The iPhone 16e’s camera system is designed to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions. The 48MP main camera leverages computational photography to produce detailed shots, while the integrated 2x Telephoto lens offers optical-quality zoom. Enhanced Night mode and Portrait mode ensure that images are crisp and well-lit, adding professional-grade versatility to this more affordable iPhone.

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iPhone 16e features breakthrough battery life, fast performance, a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system

 

 

Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered User Experience

 

A standout feature of the iPhone 16e is its support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s latest AI-driven system. Features such as natural language search in the Photos app, the Clean Up tool for image enhancements, and creative tools like Image Playground and Genmoji make the device more intuitive and personalized. Siri also benefits from AI advancements, with improved contextual understanding and the ability to integrate with ChatGPT for more comprehensive assistance.

 

With the addition of the C1 modem, the iPhone 16e delivers strong and efficient 5G connectivity. Apple has also incorporated its satellite-based communication features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Messages via satellite, ensuring users remain connected even when outside cellular range. Safety remains a priority, with Crash Detection automatically contacting emergency services in case of a severe car accident.

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Image Playground allows users to easily create unique images, with concepts like themes, costumes, and places

 

 

While the iPhone 16e includes many of the advanced capabilities seen in the rest of the iPhone 16 family, its positioning as a more budget-friendly option makes it a unique option. It blends high-end performance, AI-driven functionality, and robust battery life, all at a lower price point. This way, Apple is expanding access to its latest innovations without requiring users to invest in its most premium models.

 

iPhone 16e will be available in matte black and white finishes, with an array of colorful cases to suit different styles. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with the official release following on February 28. Pricing starts at $599 for the base model with 128GB of storage, making it a compelling option for those looking for cutting-edge Apple technology at a more accessible price point. By offering a feature-rich smartphone at a more affordable price, Apple continues to refine its approach to balancing innovation with affordability.

applie iphone 16e
users can create their own unique and playful Genmoji

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with the Action button, users can access visual intelligence to learn about objects and places around them

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iPhone 16e features a custom 48MP Fusion camera for photos and videos

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iPhone 16e features Portrait mode, which creates beautiful studio-like images of a subject

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Night mode on iPhone 16e captures more detail in photos when it is dark

 

project info:

 

company: Apple
model: iPhone 16e
starting price: $599 USD

The post apple unveils affordable iPhone 16e with action button that unlocks cars & identifies objects appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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wagner transforms airstream trailer into mobile working space, touring germany in 2025 https://www.designboom.com/design/wagner-transforms-airstream-trailer-mobile-working-space-touring-germany-2025-12-19-2024/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:17 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1105428 wagner’s mobile design lab travels across germany, offering an immersive exhibition with live 3D printing and an augmented reality tour with apple vision pro.

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DESIGN MEETS MOBILITY IN WAGNER’S AIRSTREAM ROADTOUR 2025

 

Wagner hits the road in 2025 with the Airstream Roadshow, an immersive experience that inspires new perspectives on office spaces. Under the motto ‘It’s time for bespoke interior design,’ the traveling exhibition highlights the iconic 1962 Airstream Bambi, converted into a mobile working space to showcase Wagner’s D2 bespoke interior system, designed by renowned studios Gonzalez Haase AAS and Stefan Diez. As the Airstream travels across Germany, design enthusiasts are invited to explore the lightweight aluminum construction and witness live 3D printing in action.


Wagner’s transformed Airstream embarks on a roadshow across Germany in 2025 | all images courtesy of Wagner

 

 

WAGNER’S VISION FOR FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES ON DISPLAY

 

Founded as a traditional chair brand, Wagner has always prioritized well-being through design, movement, and health. The converted Airstream trailer, unveiled at Orgatec 2024 in front of Design Post Cologne, embodies the company’s holistic vision for the future of workspaces – places where collaboration, creativity, and interaction thrive. Reinforcing this vision is the D2 bespoke interior system, featured in the Airstream. Whether in an office, conference room, or home office, the lightweight D2 system adapts to different environments, creating movement and opening up space.


sleek aluminium panels define Wagner’s mobile working space

 

 

AIRSTREAM TRAILER TRANSFORMED INTO A MOBILE WORKING SPACE

 

The Airstream Bambi caravan, once a symbol of classic American design, now serves as Wagner’s mobile working space, embarking on a nationwide tour across Germany. The carefully curated space inside the Airstream highlights the versatility of the D2 bespoke interior system, designed by renowned studios Gonzalez Haase AAS and Stefan Diez. With its aluminum honeycomb panels, the room concept demonstrates how lightweight, sustainable materials can be used to craft a durable yet flexible space. 

 

In collaboration with Heavn – Human Centric Lighting, the interior atmosphere of the Airstream is optimized with dynamic desk and ceiling lighting. Additional key features include an integrated home office workstation, a coffee counter, and the W-Lounge Nesting Sofa mini. Attendees of the traveling exhibition can explore these modern office solutions and witness the live 3D printing of Wagner’s W3D stool, providing a real-time demonstration of the company’s forward-thinking approach to furniture design.


Heavn’s human-centric lighting brings a dynamic atmosphere to Wagner’s mobile working space

 

 

The Airstream Roadshow 2025 offers a unique opportunity for visitors to step inside Wagner’s mobile working space. This traveling exhibition allows guests to explore the design concepts first hand, providing a collaborative space for design professionals to network, share ideas, and engage with the future of work environments. Keep an eye out for the Airstream Roadshow 2025 dates in your city and get ready to experience the next chapter of office design.


once a classic American caravan, now serves as a mobile woking space for Wagner’s 2025 roadshow

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visitors step inside Wagner’s Airstream for a hands-on tour of modern office concepts


inside the mobile working space: the versatile D2 bespoke interior system

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Airstream Roadshow 2025

company: Wagner | @wagner_living

collaborator: Heaven | @heavn_lights

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