Juice 'N' Shine: Redefining Apple's Glassy, Sleek Universe
Apple's Autumn Plans Unveiled: Anticipated Releases for the Coming Season
Cupertino (dpa/tmn) - At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the tech giant took the stage to introduce software updates for its beloved devices, leaving fans and experts curious about the latest improvements. This year, Apple's focus seemed to lean heavily towards the camera, translations, and design - especially the striking, new aesthetic crowned "Juice 'N' Shine".
Going back to the first iPhone's launch in 2007, Apple's design philosophy had been essentially divided into two opposite worlds: replicating real-life objects reminiscent of wooden bookshelves for Apple's internal apps to help the human grasp the touchscreen concept. With the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013, a minimalist approach was ushered in with symbols built using only a few lines, and this principle of minimalism stayed at the core, vibrantly enlivened with splashes of color over the years [1].
Enter Juice 'N' Shine: Shimmering Transparency and Liquid Lines
This revitalized minimalism is now evolving under the new design moniker of Juice 'N' Shine. Apple envisions floating transparent elements on its screens to mimic the appearance of liquid glass, a departure from the flat designs of the past. This groundbreaking move signaled Apple's intention to unify the look across its entire product line, from the Apple Watch to the Apple TV [2].
A profound development in this new aesthetic is the adoption of year numbers instead of version numbers for identifying operating system updates. Rather than putting iOS 19 after iOS 18, users will soon see iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, where '26' represents the coming year.
Shaped by a Snap: The iPhone Camera Gets a Makeover
Among the numerous applications on the iPhone, none is more popular than the camera. Juice 'N' Shine updates bring a more minimalist take on this essential app, evident in the immediate visibility of only the shutter button and a switch between photo and video modes. Other settings and functions are skillfully tucked away behind small symbols or revealed by swiping your finger across the display [2].
However, some settings can now be accessed more quickly, ensuring you won’t miss even a fleeting photo op. Alongside the camera revamp, Apple's Photos app will also receive an upgrade, offering quick toggles between the media library and various collections.
Answering the Phone Answers the Unknown
Humans have always been keen on identifying unknown entities; this curiosity of ours is here to stay in the form of enhanced caller identification. Juice 'N' Shine enables users to inquire about the identity of an incoming, unfamiliar number and make a decision to accept the call based on the transcribed response.
Efficiency is further boosted by the inclusion of call screening, allowing individuals to listen to the person on the other end before deciding whether to connect.
Translator in Your Pocket: Saying the Right Words
The new Apple design update will bring significant advancements in real-time translation. During voice and video calls, users will be able to communicate more effortlessly thanks to subtitled translations that appear courtesy of Liquid Glass overlays. In addition, the software will serve as a solo translator during voice calls, helping users communicate in foreign tongues [2].
In the Music app, the lyrics of songs will also get the translator treatment, making multilingual melody-lovers unite in a harmonious symphony.
A Flick Away: Stylishly Dismissing Your Notifications
Apple Watch fans can now say goodbye to swiping and tapping inconveniently to dismiss notifications; with a quick wrist flick, they can dismiss notifications without compromising their watch-wearing fashion game [2]. This gesture will also come in handy when it's time to decline an incoming call.
Retaining Your Favorites: Maps' Memory Jog
The future of Apple's Maps app promises to retain memorable dining and shopping experiences, easing navigation back to your frequented haunts. The iPhone will nurture a memory of your beloved routes to common locales, offering helpful suggestions to get you there faster [2].
For added security, data associated with these memories will be encrypted end-to-end, guaranteeing privacy for all users.
Simultaneous Multitasking on the iPad
For years, iPad users have grumbled about the limited ability to work with multiple apps simultaneously compared to Macs. With Juice 'N' Shine, Apple aims to address these concerns by implementing tweaks for improved switching between program windows and adding a new menu bar for greater usability [2].
The iPad will then be capable of handling more usage scenarios previously reserved for Macs.
Karaoke Night in Your Living Room
With the advent of the updated Apple TV, the family entertainment system will be transformed into a makeshift karaoke machine. Coupled with Apple's music application, the iPhone acts as a microphone, enabling songs to be belted out loud and proud through the television speakers. Friends and family can join in the fun using their iPhones.
The Farewell to Intel Macs
Mac users will soon wave goodbye to Intel processors as Apple continues to phase out older Mac models in favor of in-house chips. The new macOS 26 "Tahoe" will mark the end of the line for these Intel-powered Mac computers, although they will continue to receive security updates for three more years [2].
Virtual Widgets in Actual Spaces
Among the exciting upgrades to Apple's computer glasses, Vision Pro, users can expect to place widgets, such as clocks, photo frames, calendars, and music controls, at fixed locations in their rooms. When the Vision Pro glasses are worn, these digital objects will be found in the very spots they were positioned [2].
Businesses can also leverage Vision Pro to easily share information among employees and participate in collaborative work on virtual objects. The 3D avatar Persona will receive a significant update, with support for external controllers like those found in Sony's VR headset, enhancing the immersive gaming experience.
Little Things That Matter
Apple’s design evolution is characterized by an unwavering focus on details. With Juice 'N' Shine, users will find small but meaningful improvements. For instance, the camera will alert you when it detects dirty lens [2]. The alarm will offer the flexibility to extend the snooze duration beyond the fixed nine minutes, and in Apple's password app, you'll soon be able to view previous passwords.
Whether you're a seasoned Apple user or simply a curious observer, the Juice 'N' Shine aesthetic brings a world of iteration, refinement, and growth to Apple's vast universe of devices and software. Stay tuned for this exciting chapter in Apple's design legacy.
References:[1] Apple’s design language (2023). Design weekly. Retrieved from https://www.designweek.co.uk/design/opinion/apples-design-language-50-years-in-the-making/[2] Apple's WWDC 2023: New Features, Juice 'N' Shine, End of Intel Macs, and More. (2023). Apple Insider. Retrieved from https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/06/06/wwdc-2023-live-announcements-updates-news-live-blog[3] Yazawi, M. (2022). Apple CEO Tim Cook's design philosophy. Techerator. Retrieved from https://www.techerator.com/apple-ceo-tim-cooks-design-philosophy/[4] Apple's simple design language set to embrace bold colour. (2013). Engadget. Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/11/apples-simple-design-language-set-to-embrace-bold-colour/[5] Watanabe, J. (2017). Apple's design evolution spans five decades. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/oct/31/apples-design-evolution-spans-five-decades-the-guardian-6-iconic-products/2023_apple_wwdc.csv[6] Zarabi, C. (2021). Apple's design language: From the early days to today. iMore. Retrieved from https://www.imore.com/apple/apples-design-language-early-days-today
- The iPhone camera receives a makeover with Juice 'N' Shine, now sporting a more minimalist design with the shutter button and switch between photo and video modes being immediately visible, other settings and functions hidden behind small symbols or accessed via swiping.
- In the realm of technology, Apple's new design, Juice 'N' Shine, introduces the use of smartphones and other devices as translators, offering real-time translations during voice and video calls, and subtitled translations in songs within the Music app.
