Comments update: Apple lacks direction and isn't delivering innovative design, according to commenters unimpressed by the tech giant's latest product launch.

Apple crunch? Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled a smaller version of its current iPhone yesterday, which is almost identical in shape and size to its older 5s model. Readers weren't impressed.

"A missed opportunity to rejuvenate Apple design before the launch of the iPhone 7," wrote Roberto Sideris. "[Apple] didn't 'design' this, they just stuck new electronics inside the 5s and called it new."

"It feels like Apple has run out of ideas," agreed Kay. "As a product it will be useful but people expect new ideas from Apple and it just isn't delivering them."

But not everyone agreed with the criticism. "I personally really like that Apple does not change its product design every year," replied Julien. "A new design every year shouldn't be called design nor innovation, but styling."

What do you think of Apple's iPhone SE? Let us know in the comments section »

Bridge over troubled water: the controversial Garden Bridge moved one step closer to construction last week, reigniting the debate about whether the project should have been given to Thomas Heatherwick, and if it should be built at all.

"This bridge is a symbol of the sad state of architectural procurement," said James. "If you're in favour you get everything and the rest of us get scraps."

"This is easily the most expensive public park in recent history," added Davide. "I can hardly imagine people sat in a meeting and agreed this was a clever proposal."

Others reiterated the potential benefits the project could offer London.

"Naysayers be damned, I want to see this built," hit back Catherine. "Every major proposal comes with a chorus of criticism but this will be a landmark for London." Read the comments on this story »

A class apart: Bentley's head of design proffered a future scenario where luxury autonomous vehicles get privileged "fast lane" access through crowded cities, triggering a strong reaction from commenters.

"The day my car is autonomously moved out the way for a Bentley is the day I add a bazooka to its roof," wrote Aaron while Zela described the idea as an "innovative way to rebuild class divides".

"I just vomited on my desk while reading this article," added Ciaran Naughton. "Maybe they should electrify the outside too, just in case a poor person gets too close."

"There are more useful and important things to design than ways to monetise tailgating," concluded Nicki Theokritoff. Read the comments on this story and join the debate »

Lights out: the impact of autonomous vehicles on cities was discussed after a group of researchers from MIT proposed the "death of traffic lights" in favour of smart intersections.

"The death of traffic lights heralds the death of pedestrians," said one guest commenter, while Ciarán Ferrie questioned how cyclists will fit into the new traffic system.

"This might be great for future highway interchanges, but it shows absolute contempt for anyone not in a motorised steel coffin," added a commenter calling themselves Bitterbuffalo.

"If we can ever manage driverless vehicles I doubt assigning 'slots' to pedestrians and cyclists will be much of a problem," concluded Dick. Read the comments on this story »

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