"Flat design" coming in 10.9 also?

[MasterHowl]

With all the news about flatness coming to iOS, it got me thinking about where Apple might take Mac OS in the future.

I think a much flatter, black/grey/white Mac OS would look much more elegant than the colourful Snow Leopard (don't flame me for saying that!), and think that's the direction it's heading. Here are a few examples I noticed:

Flat download icon in the podcast section of iTunes:

More 3D download icon in the music section of iTunes:

Flat system preferences icon on notification centre (Mac OS 10.8, ML):

The glossy, 3D system preferences app icon:

Flat (grey) loading bars at the top of iTunes 11, and the iTunes Match page in iTunes:

That old blue and white stripe loading bar:

It seem that in all the newer parts of Mac OS, the design is "flat" (sorry, that term is over used these days) and not colourful. Finder/iTunes icons are a good example of this!

 

[cmChimera]

I agree that iTunes 11 is a sign of things to come.

 

[Ddyracer]

I think Apple's take on flat is somewhere between flat and skeumorphic. And, I think iTunes 11 is the perfect example of what I mean.

Just look at it. It's not texture less, hence there is some skeumorphism. Look at the ML Dock. It is frosted silver (beautiful) with generous amount of reflection which gives it a shine effect.

I do hope Mr Ive gets rid of the linen cloth and brings color back.

That would be enough for me but hey, a new look is always welcome from Jony Ive so long as it's pretty and minimal.

 

[Krazy Bill]

And, I think iTunes 11 is the perfect example of what I mean. Just look at it. It's not texture less, hence there is some skeumorphism.

Yes, iTunes 11 is not "flat" by any means. Still beveled buttons and tonal textures. It's kind of bland to me and that "tinny" gray is getting old.

Honestly, I do like where Microsoft went with Office 2013 for Windows. The colors are a bit too bold but generally it grows on you.

 

[talmy]

You don't have to look *in* an app to see 3D.

How about the shadows around/behind windows and on the text for icons on the desktop?

Perhaps that will go?

 

[Ddyracer]

Yes, iTunes 11 is not "flat" by any means. Still beveled buttons and tonal textures. It's kind of bland to me and that "tinny" gray is getting old.

Honestly, I do like where Microsoft went with Office 2013 for Windows. The colors are a bit too bold but generally it grows on you.

I love the way iTunes 11 looks but i guess it's a matter of taste.

 

[wiz7dome]

I think a much flatter, black/grey/white Mac OS would look much more elegant than the colourful Snow Leopard (don't flame me for saying that!), and think that's the direction it's heading. Here are a few examples I noticed:

you're all but asking to get flamed for saying that. I'd much rather the current look being an optional modification of some sort. The current direction (ie the incredibly bad iTunes 11) is among Apples worst GUI changes in some time.

 

[devinthomas]

Of course. Apple likes continuity and wouldn't allow such a divide in their operating systems.

 

[Tar Sniffer]

I sincerely hope not. Mountain Lion is the epitome of great design, with the perfect balance of texture and flat.

Like so many though, I wouldn't be opposed to the removal of linen. Some of the skeuomorphic choices added in 10.7 should also go away (although I do like that design in iOS). Apart from that Ive should stay far away from OS X.