[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Designer Jony Ive, who designed Apple's flagship products such as the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, has completely parted ways with Apple, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 12th (local time).
According to the report, Ive, who was Apple's Chief Design Officer (CDO), left Apple in the second half of 2019 and established the design firm LoveFrom. He continued to work with Apple under a consulting contract. However, it has been confirmed that the contract was not renewed on the recent renewal date and was terminated by mutual agreement between both parties.
Multiple sources said, "Apple and Ive have agreed to end their collaborative relationship," adding, "After Ive's departure, Apple paid LoveFrom more than $100 million (approximately 130.4 billion KRW) and signed a multi-year contract." When Ive left in 2019, concerns about Apple's design innovation arose, but then-CEO Tim Cook reassured customers by stating that Ive would work exclusively with Apple.
However, Apple executives have considered the contract amount excessive. It is also known that dissatisfaction grew especially when some Apple designers joined LoveFrom after leaving Apple. Sources said that Ive wanted the freedom to work with other clients without Apple's approval, as LoveFrom was unable to take on projects from other companies due to its relationship with Apple. Currently, Ive collaborates not only with Apple but also with companies such as Airbnb and Ferrari.
Ive is regarded as the figure who established Apple's unique design identity through products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Born in London, he joined Apple in 1992 and led the design team.
When the late Steve Jobs assigned the iMac design to Ive's team in 1997, Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy. However, Apple succeeded in its comeback with the iMac designed by Ive, which made Ive Jobs' closest collaborator, the NYT reported. Jobs once described Ive as "not just a designer. Apart from me, he has more operational authority within Apple than anyone else."
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