Snap-happy on big tech stage

A picture of Albany’s Shelley beach could become the new default background for Apple products when it releases its new software update, iOS 11, in September.

With Apple planning to update its mobile operating system, three wallpapers have been leaked by the tech giant, including one aptly named Albany Gold.

The image, captured with a drone by Perth pair Salty Wings, highlights the picturesque Albany coastline and features an umbrella on the beach.

The discovery was made by Albany tech guru Simon Blackburn, who said his initial reaction was one of shock.

“A pristine beach titled Albany- Gold threw my senses into overload ... could this image simply be one of Albany’s numerous secluded beaches?” he said.

Mr Blackburn, who runs his own news tech podcast at appleslice.com.au, believes the image of Shelley Beach is a strong chance to be chosen as the headline wallpaper.

“In prior iOS releases, there have been sets of three wallpapers that come installed but only one gets used in all the marketing,” he said. “For me, Shelley Beach is the best all-round photo.

“It’s vibrant and appealing and it doesn’t obstruct your app layout and the textures in it are quite subtle, so it serves a cleaner user interface.”

Salty Wings’ Michael Goetze said the pair had been approached by Apple via their Instagram account.

Mr Goetze said the image was taken in late 2015.

“It was actually taken when we first started our photography,” he said.

“We decided to go to the south coast and we stopped in at Shelley Beach.”

Salty Wings, which specialises in high-resolution aerial imagery, has a focus on WA and Goetze said Albany was a favourite stop.

“I think WA as a whole is our aim,” he said.

“Albany definitely has a soft spot for us; it’s one of our favourite places.

“The space and the cleanliness of the ocean — there’s just so much space to yourself and it’s so pristine.”

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5 will reveal which of the three images is used as the default wallpaper.