Trendsetter or Just Loud Enough?
I still remember the shift from skeuomorphic icons that mimicked real-world textures like leather and wood to the sleek, flat designs of iOS 7. Then came the Metal design era during macOS Yosemite, where translucency, depth, and softness took centre stage. And now, with the “liquid glass” look of recent updates, Apple has managed to make their UI feel like it’s breathing with elegance.
But here’s the thing. Every time Apple changes its design language, the internet seems to pause and then imitate.
Why?
As a Project Manager, I’m trained to ask what’s behind a feature. What was the goal? Who are the users? What problem is this solving? So I find myself curious, not just as a tech user, but as someone who studies decision-making. Is Apple just really good at marketing? Or is there something deeper at play?
What Apple Actually Does
Apple doesn’t just redesign. They reframe the story.
When they introduced “flat design,” they didn’t just remove shadows and gloss; they told the world it was time to grow up. It was about clarity, focus, and legibility. When they moved to the latest “glass morphism” (let’s call it that), it wasn’t just eye candy. It was part of a broader narrative: to create immersive, layered experiences while keeping interactions simple and familiar.
What makes it work?
- Consistency in vision
- Attention to the smallest detail
- A confident, almost stubborn timeline
As a PM, I’ve learned that delivering great work is not just about innovation, it’s about standing by a vision long enough for it to mature.
The Real MVP: Execution
Let’s be honest, many companies have bold ideas. But they either launch half-baked or abandon it halfway when the metrics don’t look sexy. Apple? They stay the course.
Remember the “notch” on iPhones? Everyone mocked it. Fast forward a few years, and most flagship phones now resemble those that attended the same design school.
This is where Apple sets itself apart. Not always because the idea is new, but because the execution is unapologetically tight. As a PM, that’s gold. That’s where teams often struggle: consistency under pressure.
Influence by Design
I don’t think the internet follows Apple blindly. I think it responds to leadership.
Apple doesn’t follow trends; it makes bets. With a clear story. With discipline. And with enough polish that even critics have to admit: “Okay, that does look good.”
That’s why designers, developers, and even competitors take notes. Not just to copy, but to learn how to lead.
Gimmick or Genius?
Is it all a marketing gimmick?
Well, in the world of product development, if your marketing works because your product works, that’s not a gimmick. That’s alignment. That’s what every product manager dreams of.
And in that sense, Apple delivers. Not always perfectly. Not always universally loved. But always with intent.
More Than a User, A Design Devotee
I say all this not just as a Project Manager, but as someone who’s been living inside the Apple ecosystem since 2011. I’ve watched every keynote like it’s a movie premiere and updated my devices the moment new designs dropped, not just to use them, but to study them. I’ve always had a keen eye for design, and I truly believe Apple’s user experience is in a league of its own. It’s not just beautiful, it’s intentional. Every shadow, tap, and scroll feels like it was argued over in a boardroom filled with people who care. That’s why I follow. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s thoughtfully crafted. And that, to me, is worth studying and even emulating.
Final Thought
As someone who manages projects in a very different setting, miles away from Cupertino and billions away from their budget, I still find myself watching Apple’s every keynote like a student. Not for the “what,” but for the “why” and “how.”
Because trendsetting isn’t about being first. It’s about being clear, confident, and committed.
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