You’ve probably heard it thousands of times. Now, learn the story behind how Apple’s camera shutter sound effect made its way to iPhones and Mac computers around the world.
In a recent interview with CNBC, the Apple sound designer behind many of the iconic beeps and bloops on the Mac, Jim Reekes, shares the origin of their naming and compositions. As it turns out, it’s a film camera from the 1970s that was personally owned by Reekes since high school behind the ubiquitous iPhone camera click and screenshot sound effect on Mac. It was recorded from a Canon AE-1 and then slowed down to create the custom sound we know today.
Even to this day, Reekes still seems to not be used to his recording being played everywhere he goes. “When I hear people take photos with their iPhone I look to see who stole my camera,” Reekes told CNBC. Although he exited Apple in the late 1990s and is out of the sound design business, he still likes to use his previous work as a way to start conversations with strangers. “Hey, I made that sound!”
Check out the CNBC’s full profile on Reekes to learn what other iconic sounds he created.
Photo by Henry Marsh via Pexels.
Agreed. I use stacking apps on my iPhone (Cortex and Hydra, each with different benefits), and salivated when I read about the Pixel II's standard stacking in their native app. Since everyone stole Apple's Portrait Mode idea which for a few months was a unique Apple offering, I keep hoping Apple will steal the Pixel II's stacking idea.
Apple should also allow advanced users to select the zoom lens regardless of light levels. If there isn't sufficient light, Apple uses the short lens and digitally zooms it!!!! So I have to use the Camera+ app which allows you to select your lens regardless of light levels when I want to use the 2X lens in anything other than super bright outdoor light.
They didn't include the "Canon squeal?" The sound of an AE-1 with drying shutter lubricant?