There's no doubt that the recent release of the iPhone 12's specs has created excitement – and with good reason. But a new accessory has come under fire on Twitter, with a prominent Apple expert calling it "the absolute worst design from apple". Strong words, echoed by the Twitterverse. Though, entertainingly, many other stellar examples of bad Apple design were also thrown out there as strong contenders.
So, what's causing all the drama? A clear, plastic phone case. So far, so unremarkable. Actually, the headline news is the thick white circle plonked in the middle, and vertical line running down the bottom part. What it lacks in style, we assume it must make up for in functionality (perhaps backing up features found only on the best smartphones), because it certainly isn't the most beautiful design we've ever seen, and it's quite a departure from Apple's usual style.
this is the absolute worst design from apple evergodso terrible pic.twitter.com/1GRETDYqWFOctober 20, 2020
Jon Prosser shared the case design on his Twitter feed (above), calling it "terrible", and his followers (almost) totally agreed.
Of course, the circle and line do have a purpose (thank goodness). The shapes allow the new MagSafe system to work. MagSafe, according to Apple, is the new "ecosystem of accessories for easy attachment and faster wireless charging", released with the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 range, with attached card wallets and wireless charging pad (Image credit: Apple)
Containing magnets, the circle lets the wireless charging pad do its magic. The vertical line is, apparently, for vertically aligning the other accessories (like the card wallet – see it above) when stuck on the back – making sure they don't spin. But, even though it looks like Apple has just stuck a random sticker on the back of a cheap plastic case, this accessory will set you back a cool £49/$49.
Some are pointing out the ridiculousness of creating systems that require more accessories to be bought (Remember those Mac Pro Wheels, anyone?).
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First, create a problem. Then sell the solution.October 20, 2020
Nah man, this is actually quite good. The case doesn’t feel bulky like other battery cases, it’s just different that’s why people hate itOctober 20, 2020
For those not in the know, and to answer the above question, the "atrocity on the right" is a mouse with the charging point on the bottom – a design monstrosity that we recently found people are not yet over.
Though a few voices piped up in support of the design, we think Apple could have done better here. Does the circle have to be quite so, well, white? Maybe on a different case it would sit better but we have to agree, it's pretty ugly and looks plasticky. We do think, though, that the mouse will retain the gold medal for the worst design ever, as at least this case makes the phone easier to use and not near-impossible.
Georgia is lucky enough to be Creative Bloq's Editor. She has been working for Creative Bloq since 2018, starting out as a freelancer writing about all things branding, design, art, tech and creativity – as well as sniffing out genuinely good deals on creative technology. Since becoming Editor, she has been managing the site on a day-to-day basis, helping to shape the diverse content streams CB is known for and leading the team in their own creativity.
