Apple Design Chief, Jony Ive, Leaving Company

Jony Ive announced his departure from Apple on Thursday after designing for the major tech company for more than two decades.

What We Know:

  • Apple went through a lot of change since the passing of its creator Steve Jobs and Ive’s departure is the latest sign of major shifts within the company.  In an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, Ive expressed that the transition “just seems like a natural and gentle time to make this change.”
  • Ive was the mastermind behind Apple’s hardware and software. Now, the former employee is venturing off to start his own business called LoveFrom with Apple as its first client. The business is expected to launch in 2020.
  • Apple’s CEO Tim Cook stated that he is looking forward to working with Ive in the future. “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,” Cook said.
  • Apple has discussed its plans following Ive’s departure. In March, Cook announced the company’s plan to launch a series of subscription services in the next year, including a magazine and news service, a TV and documentary service, and gaming service.

Once the transition is complete Vice President of Industrial Design, Evans Hankey, and Vice President of Human Interface Design, Alan Dye, will report directly to Apple COO Jeff Williams.