Apple is a company defined by its secrecy. From unannounced products to its famously guarded design process, it operates like a fortress. Inside this fortress, they’ve historically built their own tools for their own people. It’s a workflow that has given us some of the most iconic product designs of the last two decades.
But the design world outside that fortress has changed. Tools like Figma have revolutionized how teams collaborate, prototype, and build software. This raises a fascinating question: could Apple, the bastion of proprietary software, ever adopt a collaborative, cloud-based tool like Figma to build something as crucial as iOS 26?
Let's imagine a world where this happens. What would it look like, and what would it mean for the rest of us?
A Shift in the Design Universe
First, let's appreciate why this is even a conversation. Figma isn't just a design tool; it's a collaborative ecosystem. It broke down the walls between design, development, and product management by creating a single source of truth that lives in the browser. No more "final_design_v3.sketch" files emailed back and forth. Everyone, from the intern to the lead engineer, can look at the same canvas in real-time.
This shift to open, web-based collaboration is the default for most startups and even many large tech companies. It’s fast, efficient, and fosters a more inclusive design process.
Apple, on the other hand, has always preferred to build its own tools. This gives them unparalleled control over their process and allows them to optimize every detail for their specific needs. It also reinforces their culture of secrecy. A cloud-based tool with team members logging in from different locations feels, on the surface, very un-Apple.
What If Apple Made the Switch?
Imagine a design team at Apple Park, kicking off the project for iOS 26. Instead of firing up a custom-built, internal-only application, they log into Figma.
The Potential Benefits
- Accelerated Collaboration: Apple’s teams are massive and globally distributed. A tool like Figma could dramatically speed up their feedback loops. An engineer in San Diego could leave a comment on a design component being built in Cupertino, and a product manager in London could review a prototype, all at the same time. This could help them build and iterate faster, a key advantage in a competitive market.
- A Bridge to the Developer Community: If Apple used Figma, it could share design kits and UI resources for iOS 26 directly with the developer community. Imagine having access to the official, pixel-perfect iOS components right in the tool you already use every day. This would lower the barrier to entry for creating high-quality apps and strengthen the entire Apple ecosystem.
- Focus on What Matters Most: By offloading the maintenance of a design tool, Apple’s talented engineers could focus on what they do best: building the operating system itself. Instead of spending resources on an internal design application, they could invest that energy into creating new user experiences and capabilities within iOS.
Also Read: Is Apple using Figma to build iOS 26?
Also Read: 3 iOS 26 UI/UX Features That Will Reduce User Churn
The Challenges and Realities
Of course, this is Apple we're talking about. The switch wouldn't be simple.
- Security and Secrecy: Apple's biggest hurdle would be its obsession with confidentiality. Could they trust a third-party cloud service with their most valuable intellectual property the future of iOS? They would likely require a heavily customized, on-premise, or otherwise secured version of Figma.
- Loss of Control: Apple is used to having complete control over its toolchain. Adopting a third-party tool means giving up some of that control and becoming dependent on another company's roadmap and priorities.
- Cultural Resistance: Shifting from a deeply ingrained, decades-old workflow would be a massive cultural undertaking. The "Apple way" of doing things is a core part of its identity.
Do you think Apple would ever adopt a tool like Figma? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What This Means for You
Whether Apple actually uses Figma for iOS 26 is pure speculation. But this thought experiment is valuable for us as aspiring and practicing designers and developers.
It shows that no company is immune to industry trends. The push for collaborative, efficient workflows is powerful. The tools you are learning and mastering today like Figma are valuable precisely because they solve these universal problems.
Your expertise in modern design tools is a direct line to creating future-ready products. Companies want to build things that are scalable, maintainable, and delightful for users. By mastering the tools that enable this, you are aligning your skills with the core needs of the business.
What design tools do you use in your workflow, and how do they compare to Figma? I'd love to hear about your setup!
The Verdict: Unlikely, but Powerful to Consider
In the end, it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see a press release announcing "Apple Designs iOS 26 with Figma." The company's DNA is just too rooted in secrecy and self-reliance.
However, exploring the "what if" helps us understand the immense pressure for effortless adoption and future-ready confidence that all companies, including Apple, face. The principles behind Figma collaboration, accessibility, and a single source of truth are shaping the future of software development.
By mastering these principles and the tools that champion them, you’re not just preparing for your next job; you’re preparing for the future of the industry.
Share your thoughts on whether Apple should adopt Figma or stick to their proprietary tools. Let’s discuss in the comments!
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