iPhone Software Design and iOS 7 Now Led by Jony Ive
by Esther P., Pad & Quill Techster
If you love the smooth, sleek design of the iPhone 5 and the slim, minimalistic appeal of the MacBook Air, Jony Ive is the one to thank for it. As the leader of industrial design at Apple since 1996, Ive is well regarded for his remarkable design aesthetic. And as the man responsible for determining the look and feel of each Apple product, he's known for the household product that he created more than he's known as a household name.
Apple Leadership Shuffle
After a recent shift in leadership at Apple, Jony Ive is now head of all design, including software and industrial design. What you see physically when you hold an iPhone 5, iPad Mini, or a MacBook in your hands is all the result of Ive's genius. What you see on your iPhone screen or other device when you actually use it is now also his responsibility.
The new iOS 7 platform—coming this fall, according to Apple's website—is the brainchild of Ives and the design team under his leadership. The former head of software design, Scott Forstall, was fired by Apple, apparently as a result of his abrasive management style and sharp clashes with other executive leaders, according to a news update on iDownloadBlog.
Ive Praised by Cook
The new responsibilities for software design are in addition to Ive's current previous responsibilities as head of Industrial Design. Apple described the change in leadership in a memo sent out to their employees from CEO Tim Cook, saying, "Jony Ive will provide leadership and direction for Human Interface (HI) across the company in addition to his role as the leader of Industrial Design." The email praised Ive's accomplishments at Apple, saying that "His incredible design aesthetic has been the driving force behind the look and feel of Apple's products for more than a decade."
Ive's title shifted from Senior Vice President of Industrial Design to a broader description: Senior Vice President of Design. By dropping "Industrial," Ives is now in charge of all design at Apple, including the software.
Coming Soon: iOS 7
Ive's first major accomplishment as head of design at Apple will be big news soon, when the new iOS 7 platform is available on all consumer devices created by Apple. Besides being installed on all new devices going forward, iOS 7 will also be available for software updates on older models, such as the iPhone 4S.
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Image Credit: Screenshot of Apple YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ErUMeT7uE
