Apple's redesigned desktop and mobile websites are heavy on images, animations

By Mikey Campbell

Coming on the heels of Apple's big iPhone 6 and Apple Watch reveal, the company on Tuesday launched redesigned versions of its official desktop and mobile websites, with a streamlined interface and enhanced animations.

Debuted directly after the conclusion of today's special event livestream, the new Apple.com features an extremely clean interface that puts graphics front and center.

Like the iPad version of the Apple Store app, an unsegmented gray menu bar appears at the top of every page and leads to subpages dedicated to specific products like the iPhone, iPad and new Apple Watch. Each landing page is graced with a large product photo that runs the width of the screen.

A product carousel appears below the gray navigation bar where applicable. For example, the iPhone page pulls out a list of links to subpages for iPhone 6, accessories, comparisons, iOS 8 and iCloud.

Seemingly designed for touch devices, the desktop version relies on scrolling to navigate content, whereas previous Apple.com iterations used links or text boxes. Scrolling down activates animations pointing out key product features or specifications.

The Online Apple Store is included in the revamp, though not all products pages have been updated at this time. Currently, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are the only devices that get Apple's new design treatment, with animated "floating" iPhones hovering next to purchasing options like storage capacity and cellular carrier.

The mobile version is similar in design, but with a truncated gray navigation bar featuring a drop-down hamburger menu button instead of distinct product page links.