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.”
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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.
