From a technical perspective I enjoy using graphics that are able to be rendered as a SVG. I believe that is why this style has taken off, it is able to be served and rendered with regard to performance. The article presents it as a change made by Apple, but it was really the frontend that pushed visuals like this.

I support redesigns every three years and have stopped recommending the faceless images that is Memphis Group. Trends are great, regular work to purge trends is even better.