Apple’s iconic design team is getting a new boss — and it’s none other than CEO Tim Cook.
With Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams set to retire later this year, Apple announced that its design group will soon report directly to Cook. That’s a big shift, especially as the company is gearing up for one of its boldest design updates in years.
A Leadership Shift at a Crucial Time
For years, Apple’s design team has reported to Jeff Williams. But once Williams steps down, Cook will take over direct oversight.
This change comes as Apple is in the middle of a major redesign effort across all its platforms.
What’s Liquid Glass — and Why Is It a Big Deal?
Apple is working on a new look and feel for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. It’s called Liquid Glass, and it’s being described as the company’s biggest design refresh yet.
So, what is it?
- It brings a glass-like, fluid look to software elements
- Uses real-time rendering so content can scroll under see-through buttons
- Inspired by the Apple Vision Pro’s AR interface
- Adds more depth, movement, and shine to everyday tasks
- “It’s about making even the smallest interaction feel more magical,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s VP of Human Interface Design.
While the first versions were heavy on the shiny, see-through look, Apple has slightly adjusted things based on feedback — adding a bit more “frost” to keep things readable.
Glass Isn’t Just for Software Anymore
Apple’s obsession with glass might soon go beyond the screen.
There are already rumors that Apple plans to bring this design concept to upcoming devices — including:
- A 20th-anniversary “Glasswing” iPhone with curved glass edges and almost no bezels
- A thinner iPhone “Air”
- A foldable iPhone in the works
- New categories like smart glasses or home displays
- The idea? Blend hardware and software design so they feel like one seamless experience.
Looking Back: A New Chapter in Apple Design
This move also marks another step in Apple’s evolving design leadership.
After longtime design legend Jony Ive left Apple, the company split his role between:
- Alan Dye (software design)
- Evans Hankey (hardware design) Both began reporting to Jeff Williams. Hankey has since moved on and now works with OpenAI, following Apple’s decision not to fill her role with a new design chief. Now, with Williams set to retire, Tim Cook is stepping in personally to guide the team.
What This Means for Apple’s Future
This isn’t just a reporting change. It shows how important design remains to Apple’s future — especially as the company enters new product categories and redefines the look of its core platforms.
Cook’s involvement signals that design will stay front and center at Apple, even as tech and business strategies evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Apple’s design team will start reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook after Jeff Williams retires.
- Apple is rolling out a major new look called Liquid Glass, with a glassy, fluid interface style.
- The design update is coming to iPhone, iPad, Mac, and possibly new devices like smart glasses.
- Hardware might also adopt this “glass-forward” style, including the rumored “Glasswing” iPhone in 2027.
- Apple’s leadership changes highlight a renewed focus on design as a key part of its identity.
Final Thought
With Cook now directly leading Apple’s design group, the company is making it clear: Design still drives the heart of Apple. As new products and experiences take shape, the Liquid Glass era could be one of the most visually ambitious Apple has ever launched.
this post was originally published on https://techthrilled.com
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