Apple’s designs often seem to represent the ultimate iteration of gadgets, giving them a near-platinum status in the world of technology. The latest example of this phenomenon is Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro, which bear a striking resemblance to Apple’s AirPods Pro. This copying phenomenon begs the question: What makes Apple’s designs appear so inevitable, and why do other companies feel compelled to emulate them?
The Essence of Apple’s Design Philosophy
Apple’s design ethos revolves around the principle of “form follows function.” This means that Apple prioritizes function and utility over decorative elements. According to Tony Fernandes, CEO of EUGroup and former head of Apple’s Software Human Interface team, Apple’s design strategy minimizes complexity. This approach amplifies perceived simplicity and makes the design appear more approachable and less intimidating compared to competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck, which has a more rugged and utilitarian appearance.
The Pursuit of Minimalism
Minimalism is a core component of Apple’s design philosophy. This approach involves stripping away all non-essential elements to achieve a product that is as simple and intuitive as possible. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous quote, “Perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away,” encapsulates this design philosophy perfectly.
Under the leadership of Jony Ive, Apple embraced this minimalistic approach wholeheartedly. Although sometimes criticized for pushing the minimalism agenda too far—such as removing physical buttons and ports—this commitment to simplicity has led to designs that seem like the natural evolution of a product category. For instance, the clamshell design of the PowerBook and the slab-like form of the iPhone became standard benchmarks for laptops and smartphones, respectively.
The Effort Behind the Elegance
While Apple’s designs may look deceptively simple, achieving such minimalism requires significant engineering and design effort. Apple invests heavily in high-precision manufacturing tools and high-quality materials to ensure their designs are executed flawlessly. This investment is reflected in the refinement of products such as the original AirPod charging case and the iPad’s Magic Keyboard, which features a floating cantilever design that enhances usability and stability.
Fernandes highlights that creating aesthetically pleasing and functional designs is costly and labor-intensive. It involves precise engineering and attention to detail, which not all competitors are willing to undertake. The high cost of replicating Apple’s design quality often leads other companies to simply copy Apple’s successful products rather than innovate independently.
The Aesthetic Appeal
Steve Jobs famously stated that “design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” While functionality is crucial, aesthetics play an equally important role. Apple’s focus on design details, such as the radius of the corners on a MacBook’s screen, adds to the visual appeal of their products. This attention to detail contributes to why Apple’s designs are not only functional but also visually appealing, making them tempting for other manufacturers to replicate.
Albert Brenner, owner of Altraco and a contract manufacturer, explains that “truly innovating—crafting shapes that similarly tap deep into human behavior—is the key to designs as irresistible as Apple’s.” By copying the shape and style of successful Apple products like the AirPods, competitors hope to leverage the emotional connection these designs have with consumers, even if their products lack originality.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s designs are popular because they are meticulously crafted to balance aesthetics, functionality, and simplicity. The significant investment of time and resources required to achieve such designs often makes it easier for other companies to copy rather than innovate. This explains why products like Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro not only resemble Apple’s AirPods Pro in function but also in form, reflecting the broader trend of design emulation in the tech industry.
