hello Apple. Why? Letter to Apple inc. iOS 19 coming in june of 2025.

Apple iOS 18: A Shift Away from Steve Jobs’ Philosophy?

In September 2024, Apple unveiled its new operating system, iOS 18. However, instead of the usual excitement about innovation, many users and experts began questioning Apple’s direction. Has the company strayed too far from the core principles of its legendary founder, Steve Jobs?

Steve Jobs’ Philosophy: Simplicity Is Key

Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, was a staunch advocate of simplicity in technology. One of his central ideas was that achieving a result should require as few steps as possible. He famously said:

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

From the earliest Apple devices, Jobs emphasized that user interfaces should be intuitive. Finding a photo, making a call, or sending an email — these actions were designed to take seconds. This focus on ease of use set Apple apart from its competitors.

However, with iOS 18, many users feel Apple has abandoned this philosophy, opting for complexity instead.

Why iOS 18 Feels Like a Step Back

1. Increased Complexity for Basic Tasks

Simple actions now require multiple steps. For example:

• To locate a specific photo, users must:
  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Navigate to the “Albums” section.
  3. Select a category or use the search function.
  4. Find the desired image.

Previously, this process was much faster. Now, it feels unnecessarily complicated, especially for users accustomed to streamlined workflows.

2. Overloaded Interface

iOS 18 introduces numerous new features and settings. Unfortunately, instead of simplifying the experience, these additions make it more cluttered. For instance:

• The Settings app is divided into smaller subsections, making it harder to find specific options.
• The Control Center includes more controls, but this overload creates visual chaos.

3. Lack of Design Consistency

While previous versions of iOS embraced minimalism and harmony, iOS 18 feels disjointed. Some sections appear experimental, while others seem like a step back to older designs.

The Risks of Straying from Jobs’ Vision

Losing Loyal Users

Apple has always been valued for its simplicity and user-friendliness. If iOS continues to become more complex, loyal customers may start looking elsewhere, particularly at competitors offering more intuitive solutions.

Slowing Innovation

Overcomplicated interfaces and overloaded features could distract Apple from real innovation. Instead of focusing on groundbreaking technologies, the company risks getting bogged down by user dissatisfaction.

What Do Users Expect from iOS 19?

There is hope that Apple will address these concerns in iOS 19. Here’s what users are looking forward to:

1. A Return to Simplicity: Fewer clicks, faster access to essential functions.
2. Streamlined Interface: Removing unnecessary elements and embracing minimalism.
3. Meaningful Innovation: New features that genuinely simplify life, rather than adding complexity.

Why Apple Must Revisit Jobs’ Principles

Apple is more than just a brand; it’s a symbol of quality, style, and simplicity. Jobs created an ideology that set the company apart. If Apple continues to deviate from these principles, it risks losing its unique identity.

History has shown that even the most successful companies can falter due to misguided decisions. While Apple remains an industry leader, iOS 18 raises serious concerns about its trajectory.

P.S.
The release of iOS 18 marks a noticeable departure from the ideals Steve Jobs built Apple upon. The increased complexity and overloaded interface have left users questioning the future of the operating system. However, Apple still has a chance to correct course with iOS 19. Let’s hope the company remembers its roots and returns to creating truly user-friendly technology that its founder would be proud of.