Apple Desktop Theme

Create a new file that would have 1280x1024px and 72 dpi. Applying the Paint Bucket Tool (G), paint it in black color.

Next we have to choose the Brush Tool (B), having the Opacity of 40% and white color to represent a flare on the lowest part of the picture.

Select the Ellipse Tool (U) now and draw a kind of sphere above the flare.

Fill 0% on the layers.

Blending Options-Inner Shadow

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Applying the Pen Tool (P) on the sphere's surface, it's possible to introduce the element of volume on the sphere, having the color FAFAFA.

Set the Blending Mode - Color Dodge on the layers and click on the Add a Mask option. The Eraser Tool (E) will be helpful in erasing the unnecessary elements.

Using the Ellipse Tool (U), try to draw an apple's silhouette (the famous logotype of the Apple computers). Using next option Add Anchor Point Tool, insert several heights on the sphere.

Applying the Convert Point Tool, try to move them on the central part. Press the Alt button and apply the Ellipse Tool (U) to cut out a part of the apple from its right side.

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Make a copy of this new made layer and select the Free Transform option to make the copy smaller and change its parameters:

Fill 0% on the layers and the Opacity must be of 70%.

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

We have to represent now a flare on the upper part of the apple, applying the usual Pen Tool (P).

Fill 0% on the layers.

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Applying the same instrument, represent a leaf on the same upper part of the apple, colored with 5388D2.

For our convenience, we have to Merge all the layers composing the apple in a group and apply on the layers the Blending Mode to Screen for this group.

Choose the Ellipse Tool (U) to draw the reflection coming from the sphere.

Fill 0% on the layers.

Blending Options-Inner Shadow

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Using the Pen Tool (P), represent a voluminous flare on the made earlier reflection, colored with 4D4D4D.

Set the Blending Mode to Color Dodge on the layers.

Represent now the reflection of the apple the same way we did earlier. Using the Ellipse Tool (U), draw an ellipse and Add Anchor Point Tool will be helpful in inserting several heights on the ellipse.

Choose then the Convert Point Tool to move them on the central part. Press the Alt button and apply in the same time the Ellipse Tool (U) to cut out a reflection's part from the right side.

Fill 0% on the layers.

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Make a copy of this layer and select the Free Transform option to make the copy smaller and place it the way it is demonstrated below:

Blending Options-Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

Select now the Brush Tool (B) with sharp edges and black color and try to dark out the reflection and the lowest part of the sphere, containing the logotype. The unnecessary elements must be erased with the usual Eraser Tool (E).

Click to enlarge

The Theme is finished!