Experience Prototyper – Software

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, seeks experienced Experience Prototypers to architect, build, and iterate prototypes that translate concepts into tangible demonstrations for hardware and software teams.

You will design interactive prototypes with strong aesthetic sense, modify UI frameworks for prototype sensors, and collaborate with engineers to ensure integration with custom hardware platforms. The role emphasizes curiosity, rapid prototyping, and clear storytelling to communicate design

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with native UI development for iOS, macOS, or similar platforms using Swift, C, Objective‑C, or C++.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science/computer engineering, or equivalent career experience.
• Fluency with interaction design methods: concept sketching/diagramming, problem framing, visual storytelling.
• Natural curiosity and intuitive desire to quickly build something tangible to explore an idea.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, tools, and domains, and to adapt your skillset as project needs evolve.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and iterate on prototypes to explore and validate opportunities within new product design spaces.
• Design and build interactive prototypes of new interaction models and user interfaces, with strong aesthetic and design sensibility.
• Modify Apple’s UI frameworks and core OS components to add support for prototype hardware sensors and actuators.
• Partner closely with hardware and systems engineers to inform hardware architecture, and to ensure necessary integration with custom hardware platforms.
• Communicate design intent and architecture decisions clearly through sketches, storyboards, scenarios, and technical block diagrams.
• Document prototypes thoughtfully with video and other means.
• Synthesize findings and reflections into a coherent story, contextualizing and framing the work as appropriate for different audiences at Apple.

Skills

Swift

Objective-C

C

C++

UI development

iOS/macOS

Interaction design

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science/computer engineering

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Next Gen Computing (NGC) develops new concepts and capabilities for Apple products. The team brings expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software design, and interaction design, enabling it to build fully functional prototypes that inform decisions across Apple. From rapid proofs of concept to live-on platforms distributed to dozens of internal users for longer durations, we can take an exploration as far as needed to enable our colleagues and stakeholders to get a hands‑on feel for an experience instead of just an idea. We work across a variety of product lines and work regularly with engineering, design, and human factors functions to realize our work as clearly as possible. Our team offers a unique opportunity to inform the future of Apple products.

Description

Experience prototypers combine skills in user experience design and software development to explore new product design spaces across the Apple ecosystem. Through deep collaboration with hardware/software engineers and designers, they architect and build interactive prototypes, connecting product concepts to technical feasibility to bring abstract ideas to life. They operate comfortably in ambiguity to build everything from rapid mock‑ups to polished interactions. They are able to frame their explorations with human‑centered design language and visual artifacts, share their work with collaborators and stakeholders, and synthesize their findings to turn building into shared learning.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and iterate on prototypes to explore and validate opportunities within new product design spaces
• Design and build interactive prototypes of new interaction models and user interfaces, with strong aesthetic and design sensibility
• Modify Apple’s UI frameworks and core OS components to add support for prototype hardware sensors and actuators
• Partner closely with hardware and systems engineers to inform hardware architecture, and to ensure necessary integration with custom hardware platforms
• Communicate design intent and architecture decisions clearly through sketches, storyboards, scenarios, and technical block diagrams
• Document prototypes thoughtfully with video and other means
• Synthesize findings and reflections into a coherent story, contextualizing and framing the work as appropriate for different audiences at Apple

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with native UI development for iOS, macOS, or similar platforms using Swift, C, Objective‑C, or C++
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science/computer engineering, or equivalent career experience
• Fluency with interaction design methods: concept sketching/diagramming, problem framing, visual storytelling
• Natural curiosity and intuitive desire to quickly build something tangible to explore an idea
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, tools, and domains, and to adapt your skillset as project needs evolve

Preferred Qualifications

• Dynamic range necessary to work effectively at different levels of refinement, from scrappy to polished
• Comfort with ambiguity, open‑ended exploration, and far‑out ideas
• Attention to the functional and aesthetic details of user interface design, and consideration of human factors
• Familiarity with common hardware sensors, digital signal processing, gesture detection, or firmware development
• Experience with graphical animations, motion design, or GPU shader programming
• Familiarity with generative AI workflows

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.