Is “flat” really the “in look” this days?

According to sources who have seen Apple’s iOS 7, the soon-to-be-released OS will sport a “flat” design.  One states that the interface is “very, very flat,” while another states that, “the interface loses all signs of gloss, shine, and skeuomorphism seen across current and past versions of iOS,” and another states that the flatness is comparable to the Metro UI introduced by Microsoft.

Seriously, what’s the deal with looking flat?

Some says it’s Apple’s way of pushing a more simple design and possibly a more streamlined interface across all its devices.  But isn’t the iOS UI already simple?  If Apple makes it more simple they’d risk becoming dull and boring, but hey, maybe hipsters would still think of it as innovation on Apple’s part.

Codenamed “Innsbruck,” iOS 7 will include new icons for native apps, as well as newly designed toolbars, tab bars, and other fundamental interface features, plus polarizing filters so people looking over your shoulder or beside you will be able to see your screen more easily, though this feature may not be good since it doesn’t really promote privacy.

Aside from adopting Microsoft’s flat look, it looks like Apple’s also taking a page from Android’s book, as there seems to be a plan to add ‘glance-able’ information, like a widget, or live windows or tiles and system options panels, like a Notification Center, to the software, which can be accessed by swiping right or left on your screen.

The idea of a user hub is something Google revamped for its initial hardware launch with the Nexus 7 smartphone at Google I/O this year, touching on a services-driven approach to consumer interaction.  Given the impending kick-off for both Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC event, Apple’s latest iOS 7 rumors are rather timely.

So who’s the guy behind this possible iOS redesign?  Well, it’s none other than Apple Senior Vice President of Industrial Design Jony Ive who spearheaded successful product designs of the iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Mac computers.

It’s still not certain if the redesign will be implemented in the upcoming OS, since the redesigns have been tested in previous versions of iOS.