Image via Fast Co. Design
Apple has unveiled a new custom typeface in conjunction with the debut of its first smartwatch—it came as a pleasant surprise since Apple has stopped designing fonts since 1993, according to Fast Co. Design.
While Apple hasn't mentioned much about its new custom typeface, it has subtly admitted on its website that it was designed to maximize legibility—it is speculated to be called ‘Apple Sans’
It is found to have similar characteristics with the ‘Roboto’, a custom typeface designed by Google in 2012 for its Andriod platform. A GIF image of the comparison is shown here.
Type designer Tobias Frere-Jones explained to Fast. Co that it was necessary to create a new typeface instead of just using the Helvetica Neue on its smaller screens, as “The principles are similar to what's needed for small sizes in print (as when I designed Retina), and much of it comes down to: Let the letters breathe”.
The typeface is seen to have received positive feedback as compared to when the company first announced the use of Helvetical Neue on its interface—the rounder, friendlier qualities of the typeface adds a sporty touch to the new gadget, which is in favor for Cupertino that is pushing the Apple Watch to be marketed as the ultimate fitness tracker.
Do you like the new typeface created by Apple?
Image via Apple
[via Fast Co. Design]