In a significant move poised to ripple through the tech and design communities, Sebastiaan de With, the visionary co-founder behind acclaimed photography apps like Halide and Kino, has announced his decision to join Apple’s esteemed design team. The news, shared by de With himself, signals a new chapter for one of the most respected voices in mobile photography and user experience.
A Dream Role at Apple
De With expressed his profound excitement about the new role, stating his eagerness to collaborate with “the very best team in the world on my favorite products.” This sentiment underscores a deep personal connection to Apple’s ecosystem and a passion for the products he will now help shape from within.
His expertise is particularly renowned in the realm of iPhone cameras. De With has consistently offered insightful, detailed analyses of Apple’s photographic hardware and software through his popular deep dives. From his enthusiastic take on the iPhone 16E’s camera, which he famously dubbed a “vibe,” to his comprehensive review of the iPhone 17 Pro camera, his work has provided invaluable perspectives for both enthusiasts and professionals. Lux’s applications, including Halide with its innovative Process Zero mode and Kino’s pro-level video capture features, are testaments to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging.
The Future of Lux and Halide: A Clear Vision
Naturally, de With’s departure from Lux raised questions about the future of Halide, a beloved app among photographers. However, Lux’s other co-founder, Ben Sandofsky, quickly moved to reassure the community with a statement on Reddit, expressing unwavering optimism.
Halide Mark III: A New Era
Sandofsky highlighted the recent public preview launch of Halide Mark III, which has been met with overwhelmingly positive reception. This new iteration is the result of significant collaboration, notably with the “legendary team at The Iconfactory” and renowned colorist Cullen Kelly, who contributed to Mark III’s fresh aesthetic. Sandofsky, who has been the driving force behind Halide since its inception a decade ago, leading product development, business operations, and much of the coding (barring payment screens, a task he openly dislikes), affirmed his continued dedication.
“Halide is going nowhere,” Sandofsky declared, emphasizing that the app has been his full-time commitment since 2019 and he “couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” This strong commitment ensures that Halide’s innovative spirit and development will persist, even with de With’s transition.
A History with the Cupertino Giant
Intriguingly, de With’s move to Apple isn’t his first interaction with the tech titan. He has previously stated that he performed “design work for various companies like Apple, where I worked on iCloud / MobileMe and the Find My apps.” While the website detailing this past work is no longer accessible, its existence points to a long-standing relationship and a familiar understanding of Apple’s design philosophy.
What This Means for Apple and the Community
Sebastiaan de With’s integration into Apple’s design team represents a significant gain for the company, bringing a proven innovator with a deep understanding of user experience and mobile photography to its ranks. For the independent app development community, while a prominent figure moves on, the clear commitment from Ben Sandofsky ensures that Halide, a benchmark for pro-level mobile photography, will continue to thrive and evolve. This transition marks an exciting development, promising fresh perspectives within Apple’s design ethos and continued innovation from Lux.
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