Instagram is Testing a Flatter, Simpler Design for iPhone App

[Michael Scrip]

It's funny how I have this update but my friends don't

Did your friends update the app?

I know people who constantly have this on their phones:

 

[C DM]

It's funny how I have this update but my friends don't

Fairly typical with gradual rollouts and/or A/B type of testing that various apps do at times.

 

[Junior117]

Personally, I'd like to see an actual change in style with the icon. They have it on watchOS and Windows Mobile; why on earth is it not available on iOS?

 

[Sheza]

I have this new design. I like it! Was a bit of a shock to the system though.

 

[jetho]

Personally, I don't have anything against a redesign but please don't just use a black&white theme. Those colors are so overused in apps. Especially when it comes to app icons. Apps with a black/white theme or a white app icon just don't stand out anymore. They have no uniqueness at all, which is exactly what you don't want to have when it comes to building a brand.

 

[BrodieApple]

Did your friends update the app?

I know people who constantly have this on their phones:

No it's because a small group of people were chosen randomly to test out the new design, it's not just a typical update currently.

 

[netwalker]

What about iPad support? Using the current version on an iPad is just a pain.

 

[Northgrove]

I have no problems with this. The less attention to anything but the photos the merrier.

 

[ccard3dev]

Would be cool if it had a dark mode!

 

[S.B.G]

I'm quite happy with the current design and the new testing design is a bit too minimal for my liking.

 

[rkieru]

So far my experience with this new layout is pretty mixed. I appreciate the move to minimize the UI and maximize the content... but this look is a bit too sterile / drab. Everything is black and white and the end result is that the content sticks out more like a sore thumb than a showcase.

I definitely understand their statement that this is just a design concept... that's all it feels like; something pushed through for the purposes of a quick test, and we'll worry about getting it all gussied up later.

 

[ike1707]

Honestly, I like the app in its current form. I understand the pursuit of "less," however, unfortunately, since everyone else in the world is pursuing minimalism in their app designs, many apps are beginning to look the same. And at what point is "minimalism" form over function?

Does visual clutter and "more things" ever qualify as function over form?

 

[Mactendo]

God, finally...

 

[Statusnone88]

I like the new app look. The app icon looks like butt.

I was wondering why my Instagram looked different. I thought I was coming down from a bad acid trip.

 

[zzLZHzz]

Did your friends update the app?

I know people who constantly have this on their phones:

the OCD in me refuse to let this happen.

No it's because a small group of people were chosen randomly to test out the new design, it's not just a typical update currently.

the random new design was rolled out in today update. while everyone people get the same update to the app, it is a random chance that you get to test out the new design.

 

[SMIDG3T]

It looks good. About time Instagram had a new look. Looks like they are making similar to the website, that's pretty much all-white as well. And hopefully they change the app icon too.

 

[v0lume4]

Does visual clutter and "more things" ever qualify as function over form?

No, but hiding common options behind an increasing number of menus isn't intuitive either.

 

[Glassed Silver]

More whitespace, same-looking apps, can't wait! /s

Glassed Silver:mac

 

[Hollowtim]

Unless I missed this feature on other updates, I noticed under Settings you can now Add Accounts and switch between them without logging out/in!

EDIT: Long-time lurker of MacRumors, first time posting...

EDIT #2: Now I find out that account switching has been around for two months. DOH!

 

[Altis]

It's not like there are plenty of people who just share photos with relatives and friends.

I'd wager they use Facebook for that rather than Instagram.

 

[C DM]

I'd wager they use Facebook for that rather than Instagram.

Plenty use one or the other, just as plenty use both (just as others use neither).

 

[bmunge]

Sebastien apparently enjoys mediocre, overpriced tequila.

 

[blue22]

Good grief, that is minimalism gone too far; don't use that bland look Instagram!

 

[3349793]

I like this design better than the one now! But I do agree, the icon needs to be changed?

 

[josephkrishna]

I don't understand this stupid obsession app developers have with making their apps completely white (especially this ugly opaque glass style Apple seems so intent on pushing). All the apps end up looking the same boring colours. Facebook should just leave Instagram how it is and focus on cleaning up their disgusting main app which they just add more trash to every update then forget about it for another couple of months.