Sebastiaan de With, known for co-founding Lux and developing popular camera applications such as Halide and Kino, confirmed his move to Apple’s design organization. De With stated he is joining to work on what he termed his “favorite products” at the technology giant. This recruitment highlights Apple’s ongoing strategy of integrating specialized, influential third-party developers into its core product development.
De With has established significant credibility within the Apple ecosystem through deep technical evaluations of iPhone camera hardware and software capabilities. The Verge noted de With's extensive commentary on various iPhone camera generations, establishing him as an authority on mobile imaging fidelity. His applications, including Halide’s Process Zero mode, reflect an expertise in professional-grade photographic control.
Lux co-founder Ben Sandofsky addressed the transition on Reddit, assuring users that development for Halide and other Lux products would continue uninterrupted. Sandofsky detailed ongoing collaborations with The Iconfactory on the recent Halide Mark III public preview. He emphasized that his commitment to the application, which he has led for a decade, remains absolute.
This acquisition is particularly notable given de With’s prior, though now obscured, professional history listed on his personal website. Reports indicate de With previously performed design work for Apple, specifically mentioning contributions to applications like iCloud and Find My. This prior relationship suggests a potentially smooth integration into current projects.
While de With did not immediately provide further comment on his specific role, the move suggests an internal bolstering of Apple’s software design capabilities, especially concerning user interface and advanced computational photography features. Apple frequently recruits talent that has demonstrated high-level proficiency in niche, influential software categories.
The trajectory of specialized app developers moving to major platform holders often indicates a refinement or overhaul of native platform features. For users invested in high-quality mobile photography, de With’s expertise could translate into tangible enhancements across Apple’s default camera applications and related services.
What remains to be seen is the scope of de With’s mandate within Apple’s design structure. Whether the focus remains strictly on the Camera app or extends to broader user experience elements tied to hardware performance will define the impact of this hire. Apple has not issued a formal statement regarding the new team member.
