The phrase denotes a specific aesthetic or design approach prevalent in earlier iterations of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system, particularly version 6. This design philosophy is characterized by skeuomorphism, where digital interfaces closely mimic real-world objects in appearance and texture. For example, the iCal application in iOS 6 presented a calendar interface that resembled a physical leather-bound day planner, complete with simulated stitching and textured surfaces.
This approach, while initially intended to make digital interfaces more intuitive and accessible to users familiar with physical objects, has historical significance. It represents a design trend that sought to bridge the gap between the tangible and digital worlds. However, its perceived limitations in terms of visual clutter and performance ultimately led to its departure in subsequent iOS versions. The benefits it offered included ease of understanding for new users, but the increasing demand for streamlined, minimalist interfaces eventually outweighed those advantages.