18 Fascinating Facts About Jony Ive
- Ever wondered what designs Jony Ive hates? Bet it's not what you'd expect.
- His love for bling might shock you—find out the surprising contrast behind Apple's minimalist king.
- The Steve Jobs biography? Let’s just say Jony Ive has some strong feelings about it.
- Read on to find out 18 fascinating facts about Jony Ive, Apple's former head of industrial design.
Jony Ive’s name is synonymous with Apple’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic. But beyond the glossy finish of iPhones and MacBooks lies a man whose design ethos has left an indelible mark on the world of technology and beyond. His influence isn't just confined to the physical products we hold in our hands; it extends to the very way we think about technology and design. This article uncovers some lesser-known, intriguing details about the man behind the vast majority of Apple’s most iconic designs. Prepare to be surprised by the intricacies of Jony Ive’s creative journey, from his early influences to the hidden corners of his career at Apple.
While many know Jony Ive for the iconic iPhone, few are aware of the complex personal philosophies and quirky anecdotes that have shaped his approach to design. These aren’t just footnotes in the history of modern technology—they’re the threads that weave the story of one of the most influential designers of our time. Let’s jump in and reveal 18 fascinating tidbits about Jony Ive that you probably didn’t know.
1. Designs He Despises
Despite his love for elegant simplicity, Jony Ive has a disdain for certain designs. Notable mentions include Steve Wozniak’s steampunk watch, Google Glass, and the round design of the LG Watch R. But perhaps the most surprising is his criticism of Apple’s own Jeff Williams’ old Toyota Camry, which he reportedly found uninspiring and "ugly."
2. His True Design Style is More Extravagant
Known for his restrained, minimalist design ethos, Ive’s personal style is actually a lot more flamboyant than one might expect. According to colleagues, his taste leans more toward the blingy side, revealing a contrast between the products he creates and the designs he’s personally drawn to.
3. Ive’s Low Regard for the Steve Jobs Biography
Ive was not a fan of Walter Isaacson’s authorized biography of Steve Jobs. He publicly stated, “My regard couldn’t be any lower,” pointing out inaccuracies and expressing frustration over how the book depicted his late friend and collaborator.

4. What’s on His Bookshelf?
Ive’s bookshelf offers a glimpse into his inspirations. It’s stocked with titles like 100 Superlative Rolex Watches and a biography of designer Joe Colombo. He’s also been known to indulge in the Discovery Channel’s Moon Machines, an old series about the Apollo Space Program.
5. His Philosophy
Elegance shouldn’t cost more than ugliness— Jony Ive
Ive’s design philosophy, according to Paola Antonelli of MoMA, is that elegance in objects is a right for everyone and shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. This belief has driven much of his work, making cutting-edge design accessible to the masses.
6. Motivated by a Lack of Wealth
Despite his current status, Ive and his friend Marc Newson both came from humble beginnings. Newson has remarked that much of what they’ve achieved is rooted in the desire to attain what they couldn’t have as children, a driving force behind their success.
7. His Proto-iPad Design
Before the iPad as we know it existed, Ive designed a concept for a tablet Mac called the Macintosh Folio. This early prototype featured a stylus and an adjustable screen, showcasing his forward-thinking approach long before tablets became mainstream.
8. He Almost Replaced by Steve Jobs
When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he initially considered replacing Ive with other prominent designers like Richard Sapper or Hartmut Esslinger. But Jobs eventually recognized Ive’s unique vision, cementing their partnership that would lead to Apple’s renaissance.

9. The Breathing MacBook
An early version of the MacBook featured an Apple logo that glowed in and out, mimicking the rhythm of a person breathing. This detail, however, was scrapped after testers found it too distracting when the laptop was left on a bedside table.
10. A Box of “Interesting” Parts
In Apple’s design lab, there’s a box of custom-made parts in hard white ABS plastic, almost like LEGO, that Ive and his team use for inspiration. This quirky collection has fueled the creation of many of Apple’s most innovative products.
11. Rare Designer Hires
Apple’s design team is notoriously selective. The company employs three recruiters whose sole job is to find designers for the team, but they only hire about one designer a year. This exclusivity has helped maintain the high standards that Apple is known for.
12. Reads Apple Criticism
Despite his lofty position, Ive doesn’t shy away from reading critiques of Apple’s products online. In fact, Dutch sound designer Hugo Verweij was hired by Apple after he blogged about his dissatisfaction with iOS sounds, which Ive took into account.
Our goal is simple objects, objects that you can't imagine any other way.— Jony Ive
13. Overlapping Prototypes
To ensure Apple’s designs don’t feel outdated, Ive’s team often places prototypes of upcoming devices next to early mock-ups of the next generation. This side-by-side comparison ensures that each new product feels fresh and forward-thinking.
14. The Apple Watch and Customization Battle
Ive had to fight internally at Apple to bring the Apple Watch to life. The concept of a customizable device was a departure from Apple’s usual approach, but Ive believed in it so strongly that he pushed it through, leading to a product that blends technology with personal style.
15. His Infatuation with Vertu
Jony Ive has a curious fascination with Vertu, a company known for its extravagant, jewel-encrusted phones that cost tens of thousands of dollars. This interest in luxury design is reflected in some of Apple’s more high-end products.
16. The Watch is Square for a Reason
When asked why the Apple Watch isn’t round like traditional watches, Ive explained that circles don’t make sense for lists, which are a significant part of the watch’s functionality. This pragmatic approach is characteristic of Ive’s design process.
The thing is, it's very easy to be different, but very difficult to be better.— Jony Ive
17. Marc Newson’s Early Involvement
Longtime collaborator Marc Newson was involved in the Apple Watch’s design from the very beginning, adding his own flair to a product that was destined to become a new chapter in Apple’s history.
18. Soft Corners and the Future of Apple
Ive’s obsession with corners and organic forms is expected to continue influencing Apple’s designs. Hints suggest that future products may adopt even softer, more rounded shapes, as Ive continues to explore the boundaries of industrial design.
The Legacy of a Design Icon
Jony Ive’s departure from Apple in 2019 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to ripple through the tech industry. His unique approach to design—where form, function, and elegance converge—has set a standard that many strive to emulate but few can match. His work has made technology not just functional but also desirable, changing how we interact with the devices that have become integral to our lives.
Ive’s journey from the young designer at Apple to the mastermind behind some of the most iconic products of our time is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Even as he continues his work through his independent design company, LoveFrom, the echoes of his time at Apple are heard in every sleek edge and minimalist interface we encounter.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Jony Ive’s legacy is not just in the products he’s created but in the ethos he’s instilled in the world of design. His work will undoubtedly continue to inspire designers, challenge conventions, and shape the way we think about technology for years to come.
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