Renowned Designer Sebastiaan de With Returns to Apple, Joining Human Interface Team
In a significant development within Apple’s design division, Sebastiaan de With, co-founder and lead designer of the acclaimed photography app Halide, has rejoined Apple to become part of its Human Interface Design team. This move marks a homecoming for de With, who previously collaborated with Apple as a freelancer on pivotal projects such as Find My, MobileMe, and iCloud.
De With’s return coincides with a period of notable transitions within Apple’s design leadership. In December 2025, Alan Dye, who had served as Vice President of Human Interface Design since 2015, departed the company to join Meta. Stephen Lemay, a veteran with 26 years at Apple, succeeded Dye in this role. Additionally, reports suggest that CEO Tim Cook has appointed John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering and a potential successor to Cook, to oversee the design teams.
Beyond his entrepreneurial success with Halide and Lux, de With has an extensive portfolio, having contributed his design expertise to major tech companies including Sony, Mozilla, Oracle, and HP. His return to Apple is anticipated to infuse fresh perspectives into the company’s design philosophy, especially in the realm of user interface and experience.
The Halide app, under de With’s guidance, has been lauded for its intuitive design and advanced features, setting a high standard in mobile photography applications. Users and industry experts alike have praised its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities, which have made professional-grade photography accessible to a broader audience.
De With’s re-entry into Apple’s design team is expected to bolster the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in product design. His unique blend of experience, both within Apple and in the broader tech industry, positions him to make significant contributions to future Apple products and services.
This appointment also reflects Apple’s ongoing strategy to attract and retain top design talent, ensuring that its products continue to resonate with users through exceptional design and functionality. As Apple navigates the evolving tech landscape, the inclusion of seasoned designers like de With underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining its reputation for design excellence.
