3D app icon concepts inspired by Apple's Big Sur reveal

As UI designers continue to experiment and embrace 3D design & illustration, it’s safe to say this design trend is here to stay.

Recently, a handful of designers on Dribbble have been sharing incredible reinterpretations of popular mobile app icons designed in a completely 3D environment. For many designers like Alexander Shatov, the inspiration comes from Apple’s macOS Big Sur Preview:

Alexander Shatov 3D designer with product & marketing experience. 🖤 http://alexbemore.com/

“[Recently,] Apple introduced macOS Big Sur with a beautiful new design. They remade many icons in the Dock to be more consistent with icons across the Apple ecosystem while retaining their Mac personality.

Apple is experimenting more with 3D shapes in their UI and taking some old skeuomorphic visuals into the new look. That is why I made my vision of the 3D illustrations based on the new ones, that can be used in the UI and marketing materials.”

Below, you can check out some of Alexander’s designs, plus more neat explorations from the community. These designers have done a great job at capturing the essence of the original icon while giving it a 3D makeover. Enjoy the eye-candy!