I see why some people think Designed by Apple in California could be Ive’s goodbye to Apple. But it feels to me like Ive’s heartfelt goodbye to his best friend and colleague, five years gone. I don’t think Jony Ive is going anywhere.
I agree with Gruber on this. Although, I do think Jony is taking a higher level view of design for Apple these days.
I think incremental updates to the iMac and/or Mac Pro wouldn’t buy enough street cred for Apple to be worth it. I think Apple is biding its time, working on significant upgrades, possibly waiting for new technology or even working on developing it. In the mean time, the iMac is good enough for most applications. I don’t think Sir Jony is anywhere near sitting on his laurels. The book thing and the Christmas display were minor diversions while these major projects have already been designed, but other critical components have yet to become available.
Yes, and it might be temporary…or not. Tons of JI interviews over the last two years or so suggest he is/was worn out.
After 20 years that’s to be expected, but he’s far too young – and seemingly enthusiastic (see side projects) – to retire. So there’s probably more to this than meets the eye.
Besides giving JI a respite, or a change of scenery, there are benefits to Apple, as well. Stepping back will help suss out an eventual successor to Ive. Finding that person’s a huge deal, clearly.
Everyone is just guessing. Please stop.
I’m totally guilty of this.
Many organizations have design executives that want to step back from the day to day drudgery of managing people and focus on the big picture.