Google Switches to UIKit – iPhones and iPads Now Feel at Home
Remember when Google’s iOS apps used their own snazzy Material Design? Well, that’s now a thing of the past. The tech giant’s Apple‑platform design chief, Jeff Verkoeyen, just put it into the spotlight and announced that all future iPad and iPhone apps will be built on UIKit.
Why the Switch?
- Design Gap Closed: Earlier, Google can’t quite match the native look and feel of iOS. The result? Some users felt the apps looked “off” compared to Apple’s neat, polished aesthetic.
- A Better User Experience: By adopting UIKit, Google’s apps should feel more seamless, reducing that jarring “one app, one world” vibe.
- Smaller Future Changes: Less friction means fewer big overhauls down the road – a win for anyone looking for smoother updates.
How It Helps Users
Picture opening your Gmail or Maps on an iPhone, sliding into that familiar, buttery smooth UI – no more oddness or license plate style offsets. Now, every tap feels like part of the Apple ecosystem. That’s the sweet spot Google’s looking to hit.
Takeaway
Google’s move to UIKit might make your phone feel like it finally belongs home, but don’t worry: no drastic changes to your favorite services. Just a cleaner, more native feel under the hood.
Google’s 10‑Year Design Revival: One Look, All Platforms
For the past decade, Google’s web apps—Drive, YouTube, Photos, Maps, and Gmail—were basically borrowing their Android skins. Now the company is finally putting the “mimic” label on its sleeves and starting a full‑on unification of design across web, mobile, and desktop. Think of it as a global makeover: no more floating‑together interface bits, just a sleek, single aesthetic that feels native no matter where you open the app.
Why the Design Shake‑Up?
- No more Android‑ish cross‑platform half‑measures.
- Consistent brand vibe everywhere.
- Smooth learning curve for users.
- Modern, cutting‑edge look for the next generation of Google.
Recruiting Design Titans
Google’s on the lookout for design masterminds to lead this new UIKit change. If you’ve spent your life tweaking pixels and love making things intuitive, this is your backstage pass to shape Google’s future UI.
What It Means for You
Picture this: you design a button, and it looks good on your phone, laptop, and that high‑res TV you’re using at home. No more abrupt UI transitions or sanity‑testing bugs. It’s like Google finally decided to put a fresh coat of paint on every app, instead of leaving a mess of screenshots.
Bottom Line: One Seamless Experience
By unifying their design system, Google promises a smoother, more intuitive experience for all users. And designers, this is your chance to swing from the future to the present and leave a true mark on the world’s most‑used digital tools.
