The core apps and features in Apple’s iOS operating system have looked largely the same since the original iPhone made its debut back in 2007. Put certain iOS 5 apps — Calendar, Contacts, Maps, YouTube — alongside those from the original iPhone OS and you’ll notice hardly any difference.
However, Apple could be gearing up to make some changes in iOS 6 that will introduce a fresh new look to the iPhone. This summer we could be waving goodbye to that traditional iPhone blue that has adorned iOS apps for the past five years and saying hello to sexy silver.
Earlier today, Boy Genius Report brought us a glimpse at the iPhone’s upcoming Maps app. According to their source, Apple won’t just be ditching Google Maps in favor of its own 3D mapping technology, but it will also be dropping its traditional blue user interface for a fancy new silver one.
We didn’t read much into these claims until we stumbled across the Cupertino company’s new WWDC 2012 app. Unlike last year’s app — which featured a black bar along the bottom and a blue bar along the top, like traditional iPhone apps — this one sports silver bars and buttons both top and bottom. And I must say, it looks a lot simpler and a lot cleaner.
Then we realized that WWDC 2012 wasn’t the first app to adopt Apple’s new look — iPhoto has it, too. Furthermore, almost all of the iPad’s built-in apps — like YouTube, Maps, Mail and more — have sported silver user interfaces since the day they were born.
It seems likely, then, that iOS 6 will move towards making iPhone apps look more like their iPad counterparts. We are expecting to see almost all of Apple’s built-in apps adopting a new look for this summer’s update. Whether or not you’ll be enjoying them on a 3.5- or a 4-inch display remains to be seen.
We’re just hoping that’s not the biggest change the company makes to iOS. I’ve been dreaming about widgets for as long as I can remember.
