iDrum: A Digital Fantasy That Could Redefine Music Composition Tools

Could Apple Excel in Creating Electronic Musical Instruments?

When we look back at Apple’s history, we see a focus on computers, phones, tablets, and smartwatches. But what if the company explored an entirely new field — such as electronic music?

Unfulfilled Dreams

Apple fans have long wished the company would release a set of tech products still missing from its portfolio. Among these:

• A projector
• An external SSD
• A drone
• A smart printer

And the list goes on.

But one product category has remained completely outside Apple’s ambitions: electronic musical instruments. That’s where a visionary concept called iDrum comes into play.

iDrum: A Conceptual Vision for an Apple Musical Instrument

iDrum was imagined as the first Apple-branded electronic music instrument using a MIDI interface. This concept aims not just to add a new device, but to integrate music composition smoothly into Apple’s larger ecosystem.

What’s striking is that iDrum evokes Apple’s old “i”-branding style, used in products like the iPod and iPhone. The last “i”-branded product was the iPad, launched in 2010. Since then, Apple has shifted to more simplified naming: Watch, TV, Vision Pro.

A Design Inspired by Steve Jobs’ Philosophy

iDrum — though fictional — feels like a product straight out of the Steve Jobs era, reflecting both simplicity and innovation.

It features:

• 14 control pads
• A responsive touch surface
• 6 functional keys

This minimalistic design evokes the feel of instruments like those by ROLI — where sleek form meets creative function.

Design Language Between Visual Identity and Musical Function

Concept models from major tech companies are usually rooted in the brand’s established visual design language. For example, when designers imagine the future iPhone 17, they typically follow Apple’s signature aesthetic: simplicity, precise curves, and clean interfaces.

However, with the iDrum concept, we see a departure from that conventional approach. This device doesn’t replicate Apple’s usual visual cues. Instead, it embraces a design language that’s far more aligned with its purpose as a musical instrument.

Functional Minimalism: A Musician-Centric Identity

iDrum takes the form of an all-black pad equipped with buttons and touch-sensitive surfaces — a design immediately reminiscent of instruments from specialist brands like AKAI, M-Audio, and KORG.

This darker visual theme isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s common in music production gear because it reduces reflective glare and keeps the focus on control and performance.

Functionally, iDrum would be expected to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s flagship music software, Logic Pro X, offering musicians a smooth and unified experience for composing and recording.

Materials & Sound: Why Metal Isn’t the Ideal Choice for Musical Instruments

In theory, metal might seem like a premium material for tech devices due to its durability and sleek appearance. But when it comes to electronic musical instruments, the standards shift entirely.

During the creative or performance process, rapid and repeated button presses are essential, making tactile comfort and responsiveness critical design elements.

That’s why most specialized manufacturers favor softer materials like rubber or silicone — not just for the buttons, but sometimes even for the outer shell. These materials absorb shock, provide a more comfortable touch, and offer quicker feedback.

Ergonomic by Design: Where Comfort Meets Precision Control

Following that principle, the iDrum would ideally feature a rubber-coated body with soft-touch, edge-lit buttons. This allows users to intuitively locate pads even in low-light conditions.

In addition, the device includes a touch strip used to control effects, enhancing real-time interaction between the composer and their sound.

Functionally, the device mirrors the philosophy of modern electronic drum pads:
Each pad can be programmed to trigger a sound, loop, effect, or even emulate a full instrument.

With its 14 customizable pads, iDrum offers a wide sonic palette, enabling users to explore multiple musical layers.

Meanwhile, the touch effects panel invites experimentation, encouraging musicians to go beyond conventional patterns and discover new creative pathways.

Seamless and Intuitive User Experience

One of iDrum’s imagined core strengths lies in its ease of use.
All it takes is plugging the device into your computer, launching Logic Pro X, and you’re instantly ready to compose.

This streamlined setup reflects Apple’s design philosophy: making technology serve creativity without added complexity.

Flexible Customization & Simplified Interface

Although still a conceptual design, iDrum hints at an interface that makes sound customization feel almost game-like.
This type of interaction lowers the barrier to entry — allowing even beginners to dive into music-making without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Scene Switching: A Gateway to Diverse Soundscapes

A standout feature is iDrum’s ability to create four independent “Scenes,” each containing a unique sound and effect layout.

Theoretically, this allows users to shift between musical styles on the fly, such as:

• Techno
• Dubstep
• House
• Classic Drum Kits

This level of flexibility is crucial for any product aimed at music creators — offering them the freedom to explore diverse genres within a single session.

Reality vs. Imagination: iDrum… A Concept Yet to Be Born

Despite the detailed functional and design visualization, the reality remains unchanged:
The iDrum device does not currently exist, and there are no clear signs that Apple intends to enter the electronic musical instrument market.

However — from another perspective — this possibility doesn’t seem entirely far-fetched.
If Apple were to venture into this domain, it’s easy to imagine its existing devices — like the MacBook and iMac — transforming into fully integrated music production hubs, especially with their robust support for software like Logic Pro X.

We’ve already seen world-renowned DJs like Skrillex and Porter Robinson create masterpieces using just a laptop.
So imagine the outcome if they had access to a dedicated machine, backed by Apple, and equipped with a thoughtfully crafted MIDI interface?

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

From a purely analytical standpoint, the iDrum concept blends clear conceptual innovation with a thoughtful approach to the needs of music creators. Its design speaks to users both visually and functionally, combining Apple’s signature simplicity with the practical features expected from digital drum machines.

However, there are a number of questions that cannot be ignored.

The first is: would Apple—a company focused on mainstream consumer products—be willing to enter a relatively niche market?

The second: could a device like the iDrum outperform long-established industry leaders in music production?

Brands such as Roland and Native Instruments have years of expertise and reliability in this field, making competition difficult unless Apple brings a vision that goes beyond attractive design alone.

In other words, the strength of the idea lies in the ecosystem’s integration and ease of use—but it may face real-world market challenges, such as pricing, defining the target audience, and competing with well-established alternatives at competitive prices.

Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences

ArchUp offers daily updates on top global exhibitions, conferences, and professional art and design forums.
Follow key competitions, check results, and stay informed through the latest news worldwide.
ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe.