Tag Archives: renders

Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL renders show a less dramatic design change

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There are a few designs in the smartphone market that have become synonymous with the brands they represent. Although some phones followed in its footsteps, Apple wholeheartedly embraced the iPhone notch for several generations. Samsung’s S Pen is something very few manufacturers have imitated, and Nothing’s Glyph lights have made dynamic LED lighting a thing on smartphones. And then there’s Google’s camera design, which has been dubbed by some as a visor, that gave the Pixel 6 onward a visually unique character. Unfortunately, brands and designs change, and it seems that the Pixel 9 trio will bid farewell to that distinctive design, though its replacement is admittedly a bit less egregious than other leaks would have us believe.

Designer: Google (via 91mobiles, MySmartPrice, Steve Hemmerstoffer)

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Truth be told, the “visor” camera design on the recent Pixel phones isn’t exactly the sleekest and most elegant design around, but it has enough elements that make it interesting and distinctive without being obnoxious or garish. It also has the side effect, intentional or otherwise, of raising the phone at an angle without making it wobble. Based on leaks confirmed by these unofficial renders, we might have seen the last of that design and will behold another variation that may be even more controversial than the original design on the Pixel 6 from 2021.

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

Instead of a raised strip that goes from edge to edge, the Pixel 9 phones will instead have a long pill-shaped camera bump that still spans the entire width of the phone. But unlike blurry leaked photos of prototype models, these renders show a better picture of what is allegedly the final design of that camera bump. It will follow the same two-tone theme as the Pixel 8 before it, giving it a bit of style and visual interest.

Google Pixel 9

It will definitely not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially those who have regarded the visor design to be the signature mark of the Pixel phones from the past three years. But more than just brand identity, this capsule-shaped bump also has the effect of making its thickness even more noticeable and abrupt, as if someone just glued a large chunk of metal and glass onto the back of the phone. The Pixel 8’s camera bump is just as thick, but the curved edge and smoother curves give the impression that it is thinner than it really is.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Another detail coming out from these leaks is that Google will launch three models this year instead of just two. That will be the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The “XL” model hasn’t been seen since the Pixel 5 XL in 2020, so it will be interesting how Google will position these three phones in the market.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The post Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL renders show a less dramatic design change first appeared on Yanko Design.

iPhone SE 4 renders say goodbye to the Touch ID home button, hello to USB-C

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All good things must come to an end, or so they say. Of course, the definition of “good” will always depend on who you ask. Some might be pining for the “good old days” when the iPhone was curvy, small, and didn’t require your face to unlock it. For some, the 3rd-gen iPhone SE from 2022 was their recourse, but could finally be the last of its kind. No, Apple will apparently still launch an ultra-affordable iPhone, but it will no longer be that safe haven for lovers of old technologies and designs. According to this latest visual leak, the iPhone SE 4 expected to launch next year will be taking after the iPhone 14 design, now also considered a “last-gen” design, except for one curious feature that’s both surprising yet makes total sense as well.

Designer: Apple (via 91mobiles)

The iPhone SE, which stands for “Special Edition,” has always been an oddity in Apple’s lineup. Although it was regarded to be the cheapest and smallest iPhone from the company’s catalog, those points aren’t always true as each new model is introduced. To some extent, it feels more like the iPhone SE is an ode to technologies and designs that are being put to pasture, whether it’s the small design and headphone jack of the first iPhone SE or the physical home button of the iPhone SE 3.

Unofficial CAD renders, uninspiring as they might look, offer some clues to the design changes that Apple intends for the 2025 iPhone SE. For one, it finally bids farewell to the small-sized iPhone with what is allegedly a 6.1-inch screen. Second, it also removes the thick bezels of the past, embracing a screen that has been around since the iPhone X, which also means finally embracing the notch. More importantly, however, this kind of bezel-less display also has no room for Touch ID, so fingerprint authentication will finally be gone for good, at least on iPhones and iPads.

For all intents and purposes, the iPhone SE 4 looks like the iPhone 14 from 2022, which itself sported a design that was significantly unchanged since the iPhone X from 2017. The only major difference, at least from a design perspective, is that the camera on its back retains a single circular bump more reminiscent of the iPhone 8 and earlier eras. Given there might only be a single camera anyway, that’s a better choice than having a square bump with barely anything inside it.

The renders do suggest that the 4th-gen iPhone SE will also adopt a USB-C port, a technology that Apple introduced to iPhones only last year. This is quite a modern feature for an iPhone SE model, but considering the pressure on Apple to adopt a standard charging port, it doesn’t come as a surprise. That said, these are still all unofficial, so details might still change before the new iPhone SE launches, which is expected to happen next year.

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Google Pixel Fold 2 renders say goodbye to a distinctive design

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The foldable phone market is still very young, which means there’s plenty of room for design improvement across the board. We can expect manufacturers to experiment with different combinations that try to cram as much hardware as possible inside super-thin bodies. Change is inevitable but not every change will be welcomed with open arms. Some are bound to be controversial, especially when they involve removing something that people have grown fond of. That might be the case with Google’s second foldable phone, which will trade its somewhat iconic “visor” camera design for a rather unusual spin on the common camera bump that might prove to be quite unappealing if these unofficial renders are correct.

Designer: Google (via Smartprix, @OnLeaks)

Granted, the Google Pixel’s rear camera bar isn’t exactly loved by everyone, but it still gives the smartphones a distinctive appearance that can be considered Google’s signature design. That’s not exactly easy to pull off on a foldable phone like the Pixel Fold, so Google had to modify it to be less elegant but still shouted “Pixel” nonetheless. Whether you liked that design or not, it might not be sticking around on Google’s foldable for long, and maybe not even on its future smartphones.

Renders based on leaked information reveal the alleged Pixel Fold 2 design that is so different from the first-gen foldable. Gone is the horizontal bar, replaced by what almost looks like a more conventional rounded square in the corner. That illusion quickly breaks down, however, when you notice the two horizontal pill-shaped cutouts for the camera lenses. In addition to possibly being very thick, this could easily be one of the least attractive camera designs today.

The more subtle changes can be found in the sizes of the two screens. Not only are they larger, they also have different aspect ratios. The external Cover screen, for example, is a bit narrower and taller, resulting in an unfolded shape that is more square than the first Pixel Fold. The bezels around the internal display are also much thinner, which leaves no room for a camera. Apparently, this could also be Google’s first phone to use an under-display camera as well.

None of these details are guaranteed, of course, and Google might surprise us with a Pixel Fold 2 that looks almost exactly like the Pixel Fold 1, except more refined. It is definitely within Google’s right to change its designs as it sees fit, but there are also times when you’re just left scratching your head at the oddity of it all. Fortunately, the Pixel Fold is hardly the only foldable phone available, especially with OPPO confirming it’s still in the race.

The post Google Pixel Fold 2 renders say goodbye to a distinctive design first appeared on Yanko Design.

New iPhone 15 Pro high-quality renders show the biggest camera bump on an iPhone, plus USB-C

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Big changes are coming to the iPhone 15, including what looks like solid-state buttons, a potential titanium frame, and the world’s first Apple-certified USB-C port on an iPhone. Speaking of big changes, that camera bump is probably the thickest I’ve ever seen on an iPhone too. Gone are the days when Apple would try photoshop tricks to conceal the camera bump, and provide the phone’s thickness without the bump just to entice buyers. Given that the camera has now become perhaps the most important component on the iPhone, it’s getting its own real estate in a way that makes the camera really look like a separate entity.

These exclusive renders were made available to 9to5Mac based on what they claim is a credible CAD model from one of the iPhone’s makers. Materials seem speculative at this point, although 9to5Mac claims with a certain degree of surety that we may be looking at a titanium frame for the 15 Pro series (goodbye Bendgate). Other more visible details include the absence of the iconic mute switch over a button that sits flush against the iPhone’s frame, and that sweet, sweet USB-C port.

Designer: 9to5Mac

Inspecting the CAD model has revealed that the camera lens protrusion has more than doubled from the iPhone 14 Pro’s enormous cameras. At this point you could probably snap a MagSafe wallet to the back of your phone and it still wouldn’t protrude as much as the lenses on the 15 Pro’s camera module. The folks at 9to5Mac speculate that the camera will feature an all-new sensor technology that will “capture more light and reduce overexposure or underexposure in certain settings.”

Notably enough, however, the CAD file for the 15 Pro Max actually has a SMALLER camera bump than the 15 Pro. 9to5Mac attributes this to the probability of a new periscope lens system that will only be coming to the higher-end model in the Pro series. I can’t wait to see how Apple justifies this, and what it means for the iPhone 15’s sales. Will people actually spend a couple of hundred bucks more for a sleeker design? My gut definitely thinks so.

The Dynamic Island on the new iPhone 15 series is also rumored to be marginally smaller than the one seen on the 14 Pro from last year. Apple condensed the notch with newer iterations too, so this is no surprise… although rumor also has it that the Dynamic Island will now make its way to all iPhone 15 variants and not just the Pro models.

A deep-dive into the 15 Pro’s camera architecture. You can even see the image stabilizer inside the phone

The biggest change on the iPhone, however, is undoubtedly Apple’s (forced) migration to USB-C. Following EU legislation brought about by the rise in e-waste by Apple not following a set standard, the company is now shifting its iPhone to USB-C, although other Apple products like the AirPods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad will still retain the Lightning charging connector… for now.

A lot of people are also speculating that this shift to USB-C is going to be met with some form of Apple-style resistance. The iPhone won’t directly be compatible with all USB-C cables, dongles, and accessories. Like with the iPad Pro, only MFi-certified accessories will work as intended with the phone, and even fast-charging cables, adapters, and power bricks will be limited by the phone itself unless they comply with the MFi standards. This effectively means your Android fast charger or GaN fast charger could effectively be rendered useless with the iPhone, which would still charge at the same slow speed.

Although we’re quite a few months away from the iPhone’s release, these renders and rumors help consumers be mentally prepared for what’s to come. After all, a $1200 purchase shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision, right?

The iPhone 15 is rumored to drop in September, when Apple hosts its iPhone and Apple Watch event. Prior to that, we’re expecting a taste of Apple’s mixed-reality headset (rumored to be called Apple Reality Pro) in June during Apple’s WWDC event.

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Pixel Fold renders dream up Google’s next big thing

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Google seems to be gearing up to expand its Pixel brand, starting with the shiny new Pixel Watch launched last month. The company also already confirmed that it will be launching its first Pixel-branded tablet next year, and it seems to be taking a rather different course from typical slates like the Apple iPads and the majority of Android tablets. One thing it hasn’t confirmed yet at this point is a foldable device that many are sure is happening next year as well. While nothing is official yet, these beautiful renders and bits of information do paint an almost complete picture of what is being called the Pixel Fold, suggesting that it’s going to be just as divisive as any other foldable phone in the market.

Designer: Jon Presser (Front Page Tech)

Almost everyone is expected to launch a foldable phone these days, including Apple, which is highly unlikely at this point. The reality is that, despite all the buzz and hype, foldables are still seen as an eccentric luxury, a very expensive experiment in what the future of mobile could be. Ironically, that’s exactly the perfect chance for Google to step in with its own take on a foldable Android device, only to announce its retirement a year or two later.

Whether it happens sooner rather than later, these renders, all based on leaked information, represent a close possibility of what the Pixel Fold could look like. Admittedly, it looks very classy and professional, especially with its sparkling chrome edges and reflective glass back. When folded, the external screen looks big enough to be a regular-sized “phablet” or giant phone. Unfolded, however, it means that it would be more square than a typical tablet. There is also no gap near the hinge when the phone is folded, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold series, which isn’t exactly that novel considering that the OPPO Find N and the Huawei Mate Xs 2 have already pulled it off.

While all of the above sound good and expected for such a device, there are a few details that could give would-be buyers pause for thought. The extra large camera bump on the back runs horizontally like the Pixel 7’s, but it is a discrete island rather than a visor. The Pixel 7’s camera design wouldn’t have worked anyway since it would have gotten in the way of the hinge. It’s a rather thick bump, for that matter, and it could make the device wobble when unfolded and laid on a desk. Either way, it looks a bit awkward and very unlike the Pixel 7’s signature design.

The internal screen also has quite some bezel around it, which is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s far wider than what we’re used to these days, even on foldable phones. On the other hand, it possibly leaves enough room for a front camera without resorting to cutouts and under-display gimmicks. According to the leakster, the Pixel Fold is going to be quite heavy in hand, which doesn’t really sound reassuring for this kind of device. That said, that heft could also give it a bit of a premium feel that’s associated with materials like metal rather than cheap plastic.

The biggest deal-breaker, however, might be its rumored $1,800 price tag, a very steep figure at a time when manufacturers like Samsung are trying to make the device category more palatable. Pixel phones do have that mark of being more expensive than comparable phones, so that’s not exactly surprising. It doesn’t inspire confidence, however, given how Google tends to provide or sell products with much buzz only to pull the rug from under people’s feet when they least expect it.

The post Pixel Fold renders dream up Google’s next big thing first appeared on Yanko Design.

These AI-generated creatures are semi-living architectural structures from the future

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With the current state of the world, people often remark that a dystopian future isn’t a very far-off possibility! We often imagine a world completely taken over by robots and machines, where tech reigns supreme, and humans are overpowered by the very science they sowed the seeds of. However, Iranian architect, Mohamad Rasoul Moosapour, has a very different future envisioned in his mind – one that seems to be taken over by semi-alive architectural beings!

Designer: Mohamad Rasoul Moosapour

Rather than a future that is completely driven by a physical or tech-based aspect, Mohamad imagines a future that is based on biology. He created architectural structures that have been completely taken over by the living organisms that once resided in them – leading to buildings that are living and breathing masses! He utilized the artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Midjourney to create a series of AI-generated images, sketches, and drawings that’ll give you goosebumps.

He transforms the very buildings and infrastructures around us into monstrous-looking masses that have been completely engulfed by the once tiny organisms that lived within them. His creations completely reject a future dominated by tech or aliens, instead, it presents one embodied by the biological organisms that are often ignored and overlooked. His future would include humans living alongside these semi-alive architectural structures – whether we would be doing so fearfully or completely normally is something to consider!

It’s quite scary to think of a world where the once unbreathing and lifeless structures have been given life, allowing them to transform into a semi-vegetative state. We do wonder if these creatures would be able to move around, or what would sustain them since they are partially alive. Would they need oxygen to breathe, or more importantly what would be their food of choice…

The post These AI-generated creatures are semi-living architectural structures from the future first appeared on Yanko Design.

Creative + minimal product design renders that’ll inspire to you pull out your sketchbook!

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We’re always on the lookout for blooming designers who manage to create inspirational concepts and renders! Though these concepts may not always see the light of day, it’s still a joy to pour over and examine them and see the extensive innovation bright minds can come up with these days. During one of my Instagram search expeditions, I recently came across Daniel Duque (@duch_daniels), an industrial design student from Colombia! His collection of exquisitely done renders are creative, minimal, and quite heartwarming. They take us back to the basics of what we love about design. Though don’t be fooled by his cheerful and animated renders, his range of product designs are quite diverse and innovative – varying from a sustainable bamboo bed to an antique key that doubles up as a bottle opener! The simplicity, attention to detail, and minimal beauty of his sketches completely brightened my day. They reminded me of the beautiful process that takes place before the final version of any product is released. A process full of creativity, trial, and error, and the hope of creating something truly of value. And I hope they do the same for you!

I’ve seen a whole lot of innovative bed designs out there – from a 70-inch retractable screen-equipped smart bed to a bed that transforms into a desk setup! They’re all mighty impressive, and something I would love to jump into. But there’s something so simple and sustainable about Daniel Duque’s Bamboo Bed. The render features a wholesome bed with the frame created from pure bamboo. Blank space has been left between the bamboo planks and joints, making it almost look like a skeleton (minus all the creepiness). It’s a celebration of bamboo as a beautiful material, without adding anything extravagant to it. The design simply lets the material shine.

This cat house is the perfect combination of a cat tree and bed! Built from wood, it perfectly integrates a cozy resting spot for your kitty, as well as a tree-like area for your cat to jump about on. The trunk of the cat tree has been created from sisal rope, making it ideal for your cat to scratch! The cushions have been upholstered, making them super comfy for your cat to lounge about on.

This lamp concept looks like something out of Nikola Tesla’s invention book! Created from plywood and concrete, the lamp features an intriguing spiral base, followed by a light bulb-shaped lamp head. The light bulb-inspired element consists of a concrete base and twelve modules that make up its bulbous shape. It’s a raw and rustic lamp design, that is a far cry from the extravagant lamps we see today.

Daniel Duque took an antique brass key and transformed it into a bottle opener! The curved upper portion of the key, perfectly lodges into the cap of the bottle, with the hook actually opening up the bottle. Daniels manages to recreate something as ordinary as a key into a multipurpose EDC!

Though Daniel hasn’t mentioned what material he envisions these chairs to be built from, from the looks of it, they seem to be carved from bamboo. And after having a look at his bamboo bed, chairs made from bamboo wouldn’t be such a far-fetched idea either. Both the chairs seem to be built from the same mix of materials – bamboo and a upholestered fabric. Although one looks more relaxing, almost like a beach chair, while the other has been designed to be more upright, and ergonomically correct for our postures.

Daniel even created a camera made of wood! The camera features a retractable lens, surrounded by a wooden body, which in turn is protected by a soft cover. A touch screen at the back helps you operate the camera with ease, along with pill-shaped buttons on each side. The mixture of wood and a touch screen makes it the perfect combination of the old and new! It’s a camera packed with modern functionality but old-school aesthetics.

Another chair render by Daniel, and this one seems perfect to help us maintain the correct posture! We spend most of our day working and often tend to slouch into unhealthy postures. Daniel’s throne-like chair concept not only looks super comfortable but looks like it could eliminate our days of bad and gawky postures!

This wooden tape dispenser is a simple and minimal stationery design crafted from wood. It features a circular base that holds a long pole with two spheres, wherein you can slide in your rolls of tape. The dispenser can accommodate two rolls of tape, which you can easily tug off and use whenever needed!

Daniel also gave our boring old routers a makeover! He gave it a triangular form, amped with LED lights that change colors! In the render, we can see the router emitting a bright red, and a subtler blue color. The concept is a refreshing change from the traditional boxy router designs we have gotten so accustomed to.

I’ve seen plenty of chair designs, but a concept of a tattoo chair? That isn’t something you see every day. Daniel designed the chair as a super comfy lounger with adjustable armrests. The chair reclines as well, allowing the client to sit in a comfortable position, while also enabling the tattoo artist to work on the client’s body with ease. It provides him with the perfect angle to work on his art!