18 Fascinating Facts About Jony Ive

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