Skeuomorphism: an unexpected comeback in 2025
Today, skeuomorphism is returning with a modern approach. This new iteration offers a balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Skeuomorphism: a bygone golden era
In the 2010s, skeuomorphism was ubiquitous, largely thanks to Apple. Who doesn’t remember the iBooks app that simulated a wooden bookshelf or the notepad app resembling slightly crumpled pages? These design choices made interfaces intuitive by leveraging visual metaphors from the physical world.
However, as users became more familiar with touchscreens, this style began to feel unnecessary. In 2013, with the release of iOS 7, Apple abandoned skeuomorphism in favor of a sleek flat design. Other major companies followed suit, prioritizing simplified interfaces characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes.
A comeback driven by technology and nostalgia
In 2025, skeuomorphism is re-emerging in a reinterpreted form, thanks to technological advancements and a growing sense of nostalgia among users. Modern screens offer ultra-high resolutions capable of rendering realistic textures with unprecedented detail. Additionally, advanced graphics processors allow for smooth animations, adding a tactile and immersive dimension to interfaces.
At the same time, consumers are showing renewed interest in designs that evoke memories or emotional connections. Skeuomorphism fulfills this need by reintroducing recognizable visual elements. For instance, media applications now incorporate designs that mimic vintage radios or delicately textured pages, enhancing the user experience with familiar metaphors from the past.
The renaissance of skeuomorphism: a question of balance
This new wave of skeuomorphism does not merely replicate past designs. Instead, it adapts to modern expectations by blending skeuomorphic elements with the minimalist principles of flat design.
Introduced in 2020 by Oleksandr Plyuto, neomorphism distinguishes itself through elements that appear seamlessly integrated into the interface. They seem sculpted from a smooth material, thanks to a delicate play of shadows and light. Despite its modern and refined look, this style has been criticized for its lack of contrast, which can hinder accessibility and readability.
Apple: a silent leader in the revival
Apple, which once led the transition to flat design, now plays a subtle role in the return of skeuomorphism. Its interfaces for AR/VR devices, such as the Vision Pro, incorporate skeuomorphic textures and details, making immersive experiences feel more tangible. For example, the creation of virtual shelves or workspaces decorated with familiar elements facilitates the adoption of these technologies by the general public.
The future of design
As skeuomorphism gains new momentum in 2025, it demonstrates that design is never static. Trends evolve based on user preferences and technological innovations. This return to a rich and textured aesthetic could mark the beginning of an era where digital design emphasizes a more sensory and emotionally engaging experience.
Ultimately, skeuomorphism reminds us that design is, above all, about human connection. Whether it’s simulated book pages or buttons that resemble physical objects, these elements resonate with our need for grounding in an increasingly digital world.
