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Apple hires iPhone camera app Halide’s co-founder for its design team
Sebastiaan de With, co-founder of Lux and Halide's designer, has rejoined Apple's design team, marking his return after prior work at Apple on iCloud and Find My. This move comes amidst changes in Apple's design leadership and recent challenges with iOS 26's LiquidGlass. Halide will continue development under Lux, with a new version emphasizing film aesthetics.
Key points
- Sebastiaan de With joins Apple's design team, having worked there previously.
- He is co-founder of Lux, which developed the Halide camera app.
- Halide will continue to be developed by Lux despite de With's move to Apple.
- The hiring comes as Apple faces criticism over iOS 26's LiquidGlass design.
- Apple's chief of user interface design, Alan Dye, left for Meta.
- John Ternus, viewed as a potential successor to Tim Cook, has taken charge of design.
Why it matters
- The hiring reflects Apple’s strategy to enhance its camera capabilities at a time of growing competition in smartphone photography.
- De With's expertise may influence Apple's approach to camera app design, aligning with trends in mobile device enhancements.
- Apple’s leadership changes could signal shifts in design philosophy as they address market criticisms.
De With's return exemplifies Apple's commitment to innovation in photography apps while navigating leadership transitions, potentially reshaping their design approach in future products.