New iPhone 15 Pro looks more boring than a PowerPoint: Android winning the phone design war?

Whether it’s the iconic original iPhone (notable for being… the first iPhone), the iPhone 4 (perhaps the most universally beloved iPhone design), the super-slim and durable iPhone 5 (heavy metal!), or probably the most comfortable iPhones to hold - iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X, Cupertino has had some serious hits throughout the years. Of course, the Apple logo also helps to make the designs stand out...

But that was years ago! Today, it so happens that there’s not much you can do or change with modern slab phones to make them look totally unique. Almost all of them are glass sandwiches held together by a metal frame and a ton of glue. Yet, it’s not like other (read: Android) phone-makers haven’t found ways to spice things up, making some head-turning smartphones. I won’t manage to name all of them, but here are a few blasts from the recent past:

iPhone 15 Pro looks different, yet very similar to iPhone 14 Pro; Google, Xiaomi, Nothing look for ways to make Android phones as unique-looking as possible; ubiquitous iPhone is missing some "personality"?

So, what I’m saying is - there are certain ways to make slab phones look more recognizable and give them a little bit of a personality. But as per usual, Apple’s playing by its own rules here. Sure, there’s no other iPhone (like there are dozens of Android phone-makers), and if you want an iPhone, you’ll have to settle for the one and only option that Tim Cook & Co send your way, but that only makes what’s considered a phone without much personality (due to how ubiquitous iPhones are) even less exciting (I'm trying hard not to say "boring").

I believe “personality” is a key word here, as this might be the single thing that’s been known to set Android phones and iPhones apart for ages. From Android's rich software customization options (although iOS has been catching up recently) to the massive design choice out there, Android-powered phones have always been for those who want to be a little bit “different”, and less “basic”. Funny enough, Apple is the one that’s supposed to “Think Different”.

Here are some of the most attractive-looking Android phons of 2022-2023 that have caught my eye (in that order):

• Xiaomi 12S Ultra (I like it in green; the black is sleek too)
• Nothing Phone 1 (I like this one in black, but the white version is just as good-looking)
• Google Pixel 7 Pro (I prefer the white one)

As an iPhone 13 mini user, I’d be lying if I said, I wouldn’t take iOS and the mini size in one of one of the aforementioned packages/designs. I dig phones that aren’t shy to look like a “real camera” (Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the Pixel 7 has its own flair; while the Nothing Phone 1 is just... eye-catching (no two opinions there).

"The" Jony Ive might be gone, but that doesn't mean Apple shouldn't look for other ways/people to make new iPhones look more... exciting

In the end, as you might know Apple’s lead hardware designer from 1997, Jony Ive, packed his $100 erasers and $500 Hemès measuring tape (must’ve been nice to get that off Apple’s bill) and left Cupertino’s headquarters in 2019... In case you’re wondering, the London-born ex-Chief Design Officer has been keeping busy. Some of his most recent designs include the emblem for King Charles’ coronation and a “magically transforming” red nose. Sorry, we don’t have purchase links.

Now, whether you’re a fan of Ive’s work/products, it's undeniable that he did give Apple’s hardware a vision/direction. J.I. was known for his minimalistic aesthetic (forget hardware - take a look at iOS, which Jony Ive also helped get off the ground), which didn’t always went hand in hand with functional design. For instance, I’m not sure the Apple Watch Ultra would’ve had an extra Action button if it was drawn under Ive’s supervision. Let alone the Mac Studio and its front-facing, in-your-face, ports.

Ironically, in Ive’s absence, Apple doesn’t seem to be ready to be taking more risks when it comes to the iPhone’s design. For starters, Ive’s role was sort of acquired by Evans Hankey, who recently announced she was departing from Apple after three years as the Industrial Design Chief. Surprising or not, Apple isn’t looking for a direct replacement, shuffling around existing hardware designers expected to fill up the empty space.

iPhone users deserve a fresh new design, Apple; iPhone 15 Ultra or iPhone 16?

With or without Ive and Hankey, Hensel and Gretel, or Don Quijote and Sancho Panza, Apple might need a little bit more “edge” soon. Take the iPhone’s camera housing which has been looking practically unchanged since 2019 (it's getting larger, if you care). The iPhone’s colors have always looked somewhat “safe”, and with the humongous Dynamic Island which isn’t exactly the most subtle display cutout around, surely Apple must be looking for ways to make the iPhone’s rear look… new.

Meanwhile, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, as according to leaks and rumors, what we’ve seen so far are CAD-based renders of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro. According to other rumors, this year’s Pro Max/Ultra model could offer better cameras, which does leave hope for a different design. Other rumors say that's coming with iPhone 16. I guess we'll have to wait and see...

By the way, Apple, if you need inspiration, there are some exceptionally talented people on the internet who will design the 2024 iPhone 16 for free (if you stole their ideas). You can see some of them above, Tim. I know you're reading. Give me credits; cut me in on the deal; a board seat maybe?!