Apple’s former design chief and his firm LoveFrom, have mutually parted ways, ending their working relationship, reports the New York Times.
“Mr. Ive and Apple have agreed to stop working together, according to two people with knowledge of their contractual agreement, ending a three-decade run during which the designer helped define every rounded corner of an iPhone and guided development of its only new product category in recent years, the Apple Watch,” reports Tripp Mickle.
Despite Ive’s departure Apple in 2019, both parties continued to work together. Ive’s new firm LoveFrom signed a multi-year contract with Apple worth over $100 million, say sources. The deal also included non-compete restrictions, holding Ive back from working on projects the iPhone maker saw as competitive, including the likes of an augmented-reality headset, pegged for 2023, say sources.
Sources say both parties agreed not to extend the work contract, as it was up for renewal. The Times says some executives at Apple questioned the payout of Ive’s contract, while also how Apple designers had left to work for LoveFrom. Meanwhile, Ive wanted to work with new clients without seeking permission from Apple.
Prior to Ive leaving in 2019, the designer was frustrated with Cook’s focus on operations instead of huge design changes, say sources.
Apple’s current design team is led by Evans Hankey, and overseen by Apple CFO Jeff Williams.
LoveFrom is currently working with clients such as Ferrari and Airbnb.
