Bloomberg reports that Jony Ive’s effort to revamp iOS 7 is putting Apple at risk of delaying the launch of the updated operating system. While the new iOS version’s public launch is said to currently remain on schedule for “as soon as September”, Apple’s internal deadlines are bring pushed back as Apple’s software teams scurry to complete the needed work and prepare a preview for next month’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Bloomberg, via MacRumors:
Ive, 46, has begun revamping iPhone and iPad applications, shunning realistic images, such as wood bookshelves for the Newsstand feature, and he’s exploring more dramatic changes to the e-mail and calendar tools, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.
Ive is also methodically reviewing new designs, seeking to avoid a repeat of last year’s release of map tools that were widely panned, and he’s encouraging collaboration between the software and hardware divisions, which operated in silos under co-founder Steve Jobs, people said.
The report follows previous claims form Daring Fireball’s John Gruber that engineers are being pulled from OS X projects to assist in the iOS 7 effort.
Bloomberg’s sources indicate that Apple may have to delay some of Ive’s desired changed, such as a complete revamping of the iOS email app. Ive is also said to be exploring future concepts such as gesture controls that do not require touching the device’s screen.
Ive is reported to be sitting in on Apple’s software meetings, offering his input without forcing his ideas on the team. He is also said to be giving the software teams greater access to his hardware plans to increase collaboration between the two teams.
