The MacRumors Show: Ian Zelbo Talks iPhone 14 Pro and Apple Watch Series 8 Design Rumors

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Apple concept graphic designer Ian Zelbo joins us on The MacRumors Show podcast this week to discuss what to expect from the design of the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple's long-rumored mixed-reality headset.

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Ian works closely with leaker Jon Prosser and is behind many of the detailed, photo-realistic Apple renders that have captivated the rumor community in recent years. He is responsible for using leaked information to create accurate renders of the sixth-generation iPad mini, the Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display, green ‌iPhone‌ 13, purple fifth-generation iPad Air, and much more ahead of Apple's official announcements.

In this episode, we take a look at the creative process behind Ian's renders before taking a deeper dive into the design of the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple's long-rumored mixed-reality headset – three upcoming devices that Ian has painstakingly depicted. See some of Ian's renders below:

ipad mini 6 bottomSixth-generation iPad mini render based on leaked information, published over three months before the device's launch.

Green iPhone 13 Purple iPad AirGreen iPhone 13 and Purple fifth-generation iPad Air renders, shared the day before they were officially announced.

studio display and mac studioMac Studio and Apple Studio Display renders, shared the day before the "Peek Performance" Apple event where they were unveiled.

iPhone 14 Pro Purple Front and Back MacRumors ExclusiveiPhone 14 Pro renders based on a wide range of leaked information.

Prosser Series 8 5Redesigned Apple Watch Series 8 render based on rumors.

apple ar headset concept 2Render of Apple's rumored mixed-reality headset based on details outlined in a credible report from The Information.

Listen to The MacRumors Show via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or subscribe by copying our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. You can also watch a video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for an in-depth discussion about macOS Ventura and the M2 MacBook Air.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Andru Edwards, Rene Ritchie, and Jon Rettinger. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover going forward.

Tags: Ian Zelbo, The MacRumors Show

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Top Rated Comments

topdrawer Avatar
topdrawer
43 months ago
wow, a whole hour.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IllinoisCorn Avatar
IllinoisCorn
43 months ago
The faces in the thumbnail look strange--is that smoothing from webcams?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
_Spinn_
43 months ago
Much of the time these renders look cooler that what we actually get.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jav6454 Avatar
jav6454
43 months ago

But in addition, there really have been only a few drastic new designs in Apple’s recent past.

The iPod models had changed so much over the time of their active development.

MacBooks, Mac Pro and the iMac underwent a journey from plastic to aluminum. But then all got stale.

But yes the few tiny changes we see these days are revealed and ruined by leaks.
Well, Apple is stuck to a specific design o the iPhone now. Due to wireless charging all future iPhones will be glass sandwiches. Overall, you can only do so much.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
44267547
43 months ago

I am not sure if I like the mock up render for the Apple Watch 8. I would really love to see the Apple Watch 8 have glucose monitoring. Would be really interested in a feature like that.
I actually welcome more of the flat design based off the render for the new Apple Watch, if it actually does happen. I mean, it’s not like it’s drastically different, but based off that photo, it almost gives it like a thinner profile appeal. I would welcome any physical changes for the Apple Watch, given we’ve seen the same design year after year for the most part.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iBreatheApple Avatar
iBreatheApple
43 months ago

Why do so many people care about the “notch” (didn’t care about it then) or the potential “pill” shape (don’t care about it now). It impacts me in no way. Once it is gone you guys will complain about something else. Enough about this issue. It’s meaningless. Next you’ll complain why the screen doesn’t go beyond the screen. But I guess you guys need a podcast or social media account to complain

I can watch a movie. I can email. I can do anything and my eyes don’t even see it.

I’m a seed beta tester and the software that runs on these devices is 1000% more important.
The vast majority of those who complain about the notch have never owned an iPhone that had one. The few left over are a small minority group. I stopped noticing it in about 12 hours and haven’t ever thought about it again. It has never been in the way, and I am unaware of its presence while view full/maximized video. Do I PREFER it? No. But I don’t care about it in the least. Nor do most.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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