I'm doing a redesign of the AppleInsider video studio, so it's a perfect time to answer a question that I get a lot. Here's what's on my shelves, and the big omission that I still regret not buying when I could.
I'm as tech-forward as they come, and you can rest assured I have an ample eBook library. Some of the tech-y books I like the most I have in digital format, like Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs.
It's a very good read, by the way, but opinions do vary amongst the staff on that.
I also have a stack of physical books too, that have lived in the background of my set and around the house, after I've finished them. This isn't an exhaustive list, and certainly isn't intended to be a category-defining collection.
These are just what's visible most often on the shelves. And, there's one I regret not buying.
The iOS App Icon Book & The macOS App Icon Book
In a past life, I spent my days doing a combination of front end web development, web design, and app development. Likely why I was so excited by both The iOS App Icon Book and its sequel, The macOS App Icon Book.
Michael Flarup's app icon books
These two books, written and compiled by Michael Flarup, are gorgeous tributes to the art of app icon design. Throughout both books, are over a thousand icons from the early days of the iPhone and Mac to modern day.
Artist spotlights are highlighted in the app icon books
They aren't just picture books though, they're full of information, stories, and artist spotlights to complement the design work. You'll learn some of the intricacies of icon design, best practices, and more.
The Paper app icon over time
My favorite little touch is seeing apps that evolved over time, like Fantastical or Paper. It's a bit of a combination of nostalgia, design, and tech all in a book.
The books have over a thousand icons, as well as stories and design explanations
These books both blew past their funding goals on Kickstarter and are currently available to order via their dedicated website for $82 each.
Little Steve
Broadening out from the typical tech books, one of the early ones I bought my son was Little Steve by Zoli Honig.
It's a paperback, and a great kids story of Steve Jobs childhood and the founding of Apple. The artwork from Romont Willy is charming and has been one I've read many, many nights before bed.
My kids love the Little Steve book
Worth mentioning, I know there is a Little Golden Book of Steve Jobs, and it's also on my list. I'll probably buy that for my daughter when she gets a bit older.
You can find Little Steve on Amazon for $14.99.
Build
One of the most interesting tech-related books I've read has been Build by Tony Fadell. Fadell, for those unfamiliar, is often cited as one of the creators of the iPod, among many other achievements.
Build, from iPod creator Tony Fadell
I got this as a gift a few years ago and found its story about the human aspect of design fascinating. It's broken down into these miniature chapters and tracks your growth, from building yourself, your product, your team, and beyond.
As a fan of not just the iPod, but the original Nest Learning Thermostat, also created by Fadell, I loved this read. It can be bought for $19.26 on Amazon in hardback.
dbrand Manifesto
In a similar vein to Flarup's icon books, I have a copy of dbrand Manifesto. This thick, heavy, hardback coffee table book walks through the design history of the popular case and protective skin company.
The dbrand Manifesto is massive
I do a big roundup of iPhone cases every year around the new phone launches, so seeing a manifesto laid out so intricately by one of those manufacturers is fantastic. The tome examines many of dbrand's iconic designs and partnerships while also highlighting their missteps, like when it tried to first launch replacement covers for the PS5.
The book unapologetically covers dbrand's missteps
The book is simply laid out, with thick cardstock and high-quality printing. It's 59mm thick and weighs 2566 grams for its 100 pages that contain 115 images of the brand, spanning more than a decade.
You can buy it direct from dbrand for $100.
After Steve
The last book I wanted to mention is After Steve by Tripp Mickle. It's a non-fiction book that explores the changes within Apple after the loss of Steve Jobs.
After Steve was a good look at Tim Cook's time at Apple, but makes some leaps
I do find this book a bit, I guess, pessimistic at times, but I think it was worth the read. It focuses on the rise of Tim Cook, the fading of Jony Ive, and the importance of operations and supply over design.
Mickle interviewed over 200 current and former Apple employees for this book.
It's all a bit more negative and hyperbolic than it needs to be, likely for the goal of selling more books. So to me, it was good, but I didn't agree with the assertion that Apple has entirely lost its way.
If you want to try it for yourself, you can buy it on Amazon for $18.55.
Apple Design
Almost 10 years ago, Apple released the book Designed by Apple in California. It walks through 20 years of Apple designs in a gorgeous, white, hardcover book.
When it launched, it came in two sizes. You could get the small 10.20 inch by 12.75 inch size for $199 for the large 13 inch by 16.25 inch size for $299.
Apple released a limited edition coffee table book about its approach to design
I've gotten to page through the book, and it's such a beautiful collection of images. Unfortunately, Apple has since discontinued the book and I never got around to buying a copy.
Of all the random books I have, and there are a lot, this is one I still think about. It would be a great addition to my collection, but I waited because of that price tag.
Maybe I'll get lucky and Apple will release a volume 2.
