Michael Long
Aug 26, 2017 · 2 min read

Part of the iOS 11 header redesign makes sense if you follow Apple’s probable redesign of the full-screen iPhone 8.

Note how the status bar icons in this mockup has moved up into the slots around the camera and speakers. That still, however, leaves the Apps and All Categories nav items taking up a lot of extra space at the top of the screen.

Especially when compared to previous navigation bars.

Why take up so much extra real estate?

It doesn’t make a lot of sense… unless you consider the change to be termporary.

Take a look at this iPhone 8 screen mockup.

Here the “back” and action buttons have moved to the virtual “home” area at the bottom of the screen.

This balances the screen design in terms of top and bottom “margins”, while at the same time it dramatically improves the ergonomics of the user interface in that the back navigation button and the primary “action” button can now be easily reached by your thumb at the bottom of the screen.

Some may not like the “Android” flattened home button, but keep in mind this entire area is virtual. You could easily, for example, have the standard round button on the lock screen or on other screens when needed.

As mentioned, Apple’s design change in iOS 11 doesn't make a lot of sense… unless it’s preparing us for the future.

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    Michael Long

    Written by

    Michael Long is a Senior Lead iOS engineer at CRi Solutions, a leader in cutting edge iOS, Android, and mobile corporate and financial applications.

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