Design legend Jony Ive leaves Apple... to work with Apple

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Sir Jony Ive, Apple's chief design officer, announced yesterday that he's leaving the company after nearly 30 years of service. Famous for designing some of Apple's most recognisable and revolutionary products, including the iPod and iPhone, Ive has left to set up his own creative company. However Apple will be his first client.

Having led Apple's design team since 1996, Ive was responsible for helping to turn the company's fortunes around by creating some of the most influential pieces of industrial design, starting with the iMac in 1998.

His work paved the way for Apple's devices to be regarded as some of the best computers for graphic designers, a position that the tech giant recently built on with the launch of its new Mac Pro.

Other Apple products designed by Ive include the iPod in 2001, and the iPad in 2010. Ive can also take credit for designing the iPhone, the Apple Watch, and most recently, Apple's AirPods. So if you've ever used some of the best drawing apps for iPad, you've got Ive to thank.

Ive's sleek and recognisable devices are also amongst the most beautiful Apple products, and have helped Apple generate a loyal customer base. The proof is in the fact that plenty of people are eager to pick up a discount Apple Watch ahead of the best Prime Day deals.

For many people, Ive's work perfectly sums up the Apple brand. It's functional, simple, elegant, and will be a tough act to follow. Plenty took to social media to share their thoughts on Ive's decision to leave.

Ive's decision to leave was revealed in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times. "While I will not be an [Apple] employee, I will still be very involved - I hope for many, many years to come," he told the newspaper. "This just seems like a natural and gentle time to make this change."

Ive's new venture, LoveFrom, will be launched fully in 2020 once the designer completes his transition from Apple later in the year. Famed industrial designer Marc Newson will join him at LoveFrom. But even though he's leaving his high profile position, both Ive and Apple say that he will continue to work "on a range of projects with Apple."

In a statement, Ive added: "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."

Ive will have no immediate successor at Apple. Instead, Evans Hankey will take over as vice-president of industrial design, with Alan Dye becoming vice-president of human interface design.

Has Ive's decision to leave got you thinking about going it alone yourself? If so, you should keep in mind the nine thing you need to sort before going freelance.

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