Jony Ive Shares Insights on Apple and Steve Jobs in Recent Interview

Jony Ive, the famous designer who was once a key figure at Apple, has moved on to start his own design firm, but his contributions to technology are still very much remembered. Recently, he spoke with the BBC on a show called Desert Island Discs, sharing his thoughts on his time at Apple and his bond with the late Steve Jobs.

Ive mentioned that he often finds himself wondering what Steve would have thought about certain situations, despite Jobs advising him not to do so. “Every time I think, ‘I wonder what Steve would do?’ I think, ‘Ha! I’m doing exactly what you didn’t want,’” Ive reflected. He expressed how remarkable it was that Jobs could understand his thoughts and feelings, even when he struggled to communicate them.

Recalling the first time he used a Macintosh computer, Ive described how he felt a connection to the people behind the product. He reminisced about working with Jobs on the original iMac, noting how its unique translucent design was more appealing to consumers than technical specifications. He believes that his work on devices like the iPhone has significantly changed the world.

In the interview, Ive talked about the nature of innovation and how it can lead to unexpected outcomes. He finds joy in the positive ways technology has empowered people but also feels a sense of responsibility for the unintended consequences of his designs. He emphasized the need for discipline to navigate the power of technology wisely, admitting that like many, he finds it challenging.

When the topic of artificial intelligence came up, Ive highlighted the importance of giving people time to comprehend and respond to such advancements. He revealed that he has been collaborating with OpenAI on a new AI project. While he didn’t share specific details about this endeavor, he expressed that it is the first time in his career that he feels “inspired by capability in this way.”

Ive left Apple in 2019 after contributing over two decades to the company. Now, he leads LoveFrom, his own design firm, which has already teamed up with notable brands such as Airbnb, Moncler, and Ferrari. Although his firm had a consultancy agreement with Apple, that ended in 2022.

Fans of Jony Ive can catch the full interview on the BBC’s website, where he shares deeper insights into his design philosophy and personal journey. His reflections keep him connected to the legacy of innovation he created while at Apple, and his ongoing work hints at exciting developments in the future.