Learn From Sonos Errors: This Is The Reason Apple Will No Longer Change IOS Design In Total

JAKARTA - Have you ever recalled the time when the new version of iOS often presented a massive design change? iOS 7, for example. However, although annual rumors often mention a major overhaul of iOS, it's very unlikely that it will happen again. One of the reasons, the big incident experienced by an application recently provided an important lesson for Apple.

Sonos, a well-known audio technology company, recently experienced a difficult period. Their CEO was replaced after months of trying to correct a major mistake in 2024: major redesign launches on its app.

The new Sonos app, launched in April 2024, sparked a large wave of customer complaints and media criticisms that took place throughout the year.

For Apple, this story is a perfect example of the great risk of doing a thorough design overhaul on established platforms like iOS.

If the new Sonos app was launched in the early days of the company, it would likely not be a big problem. With a smaller user base and more enthusiastic about technology, users may adapt more quickly, or Sonos will fix the new app without a big impact.

However, the situation is different for big companies like Apple.

The Success Of The IPhone Makes A Big Change To Be Risky

When the iPhone is still in its early stages of growth, Apple can easily make major changes to the design because its user base is still small and consists mostly of technology enthusiasts.

Currently, the iPhone is an integral part of people's lives. Hundreds of millions of users with various levels of technology expertise rely heavily on this device. Making major changes to the appearance and function of iOS can lead to a hard reaction that harms Apple.

Even if the changes are considered positive by most users, the large-scale iPhone users will almost certainly produce dissatisfied groups. For that, Apple avoids great risks by adopting a gradual change approach.

Apple Approach: Phased Changes Per App

Instead of overhauling the entire operating system, Apple now prefers to make significant changes to certain applications.

For example, changes to the Photo app on iOS 18 sparked controversy and forced Apple to issue a repair update. However, the impact is limited because it only involves one application, not the entire system.

Making a total overhaul on iOS? That's a big risk Apple doesn't seem to want to take on.

Although big reshuffle ideas like iOS 7 sound attractive to some fans, for most iPhone users, it may be considered a nightmare.

The story of Sonos is an important warning to Apple and other large technology companies that have a wide and well-established user base.

Finally, we may need to accept that the refresh of iOS designs in the future will be small and gradual.