Apple iPhone designer Jony Ive to leave company after creating its most famous products

‘His role in Apple’s revival cannot be overstated,’ says Apple CEO Tim Cook

Anthony Cuthbertson
Thursday 27 June 2019 18:18 EDT
Comments
Jony Ive on Apple design

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Apple’s chief iPhone designer Jony Ive is leaving the technology giant after nearly three decades.

Sir Jony, who joined Apple in 1996, was responsible for many of Apple’s most iconic products, including the iMac, iPhone and iPad.

Apple announced his departure on Thursday, stating that he is leaving “to form an independent design company”.

Very little is known about this new venture, which is called LoveFrom, though Apple said it would be among its first clients.

“After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer,” said Sir Jony.

“I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook described Sir Jony as a “singular figure” in the design world.

“His role in Apple’s revival cannot be overstated, from 1998’s groundbreaking iMac to the iPhone and the unprecedented ambition of Apple Park, wheere recently he has been putting so much of his energy and care,” Mr Cook said.

“Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built.”

Neither Apple nor Sir Jony gave an exact date for his departure, which was announced in an interview with the Financial Times. He will not be immediately replaced, and two of his deputies will report directly to the company’s chief operating officer, Jeff Williams.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in