Apple seems to be making a major shift in its design philosophy, with a new focus on creating the thinnest and lightest devices possible across its entire product line. This new direction was hinted at with the release of the M4 iPad Pro last month, which boasts the title of Apple’s thinnest product ever at a mere 5.1mm.
But, when does thin become too thin? We explore Apple’s latest thoughts on design and discuss potential issues with products being too thin.
iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple Watches are all getting thinner
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shared the news in his “Power On” newsletter, the M4 iPad Pro is just the beginning. Gurman reports that Apple is aiming to make its iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple Watches all significantly thinner in the coming years. This aligns with a report from The Information, which also mentioned an upcoming iPhone 17 model with a revolutionary design that’s much thinner than current iPhones.
It’s interesting to note that the MacBook Pro actually went in the opposite direction with its 2021 redesign, becoming thicker and heavier. This change was attributed to the transition to Apple Silicon processors as well as the return of popular ports like MagSafe, HDMI, and the SD card slot. Gurman also mentioned the previously reported “Apple Watch X” revamp, rumored to be the biggest design overhaul the smartwatch has ever seen. However, there’s no concrete information yet on when the thinner versions of the MacBook Pro and Apple Watch will be available.
When is a product too thin or too light?
Apple’s relentless pursuit of thinness in iPhones has been a hallmark for years, but when is it too much? While a sleek, lightweight phone is undeniably attractive, there are downsides to consider. Ultra-thin phones can feel fragile and be prone to cracking, especially when dropped. Their slim profiles may limit battery capacity, forcing users to sacrifice power for portability. Additionally, achieving thinness often means compromising on internal space, potentially hindering future advancements in camera technology or other components.
On the other hand, a thin and light phone offers undeniable benefits. It’s more comfortable to hold for extended periods, easier to slip into pockets, and showcases a more clean and minimalist aesthetic – something Apple has become synonymous with. Ultimately, the ideal balance between thinness and functionality depends on individual preferences and priorities.
The key takeaway here is that the M4 iPad Pro appears to be the first step in a new design language for Apple. We can expect significantly thinner iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple Watches in the coming years, potentially revolutionizing the look and feel of these popular devices.
