iPhone Camera App Founder Rejoins Apple Design Team

The designer behind one of the iPhone's most popular camera apps is heading back to Apple, and it could mean great things for mobile photography.

Sebastiaan de With, co-founder of the company behind Halide and Kino camera apps, announced Wednesday that he's joining Apple's design team. This marks his second time working at the tech giant, where he previously helped build iCloud and Find My.

De With's journey shows what passion and talent can accomplish. After leaving Apple in 2016, he co-founded Lux with Ben Sandofsky and created Halide, a camera app beloved by photographers for its professional controls and intuitive design. The app has won awards and built a loyal following among iPhone users who want more creative control over their photos.

His return to Apple comes at the perfect time. The company is reimagining its design approach, bringing fresh perspectives to products millions of people use every day. De With expressed his excitement on social media, saying he's thrilled to work "with the very best team in the world on my favorite products."

Why This Inspires

De With's story shows that following your passion can lead you full circle in the best way possible. He didn't just work for a major tech company. He left to pursue his own creative vision, built something meaningful that helped countless photographers capture better memories, and now brings that expertise back to improve products for everyone.

The move also ensures his beloved Halide app will continue thriving. Co-founder Sandofsky confirmed that Lux will keep developing the app, and they just released a preview of Halide Mark III with new features that recreate classic film camera looks.

It's a reminder that great ideas and dedication get noticed, and that sometimes the best career moves take you on unexpected paths before bringing you home.

When talented creators who understand what users truly want join forces with companies that can reach billions, everyone wins.