Apple's chief design officer Jony Ive has announced he will leave the company later this year to start an independent design company called LoveFrom, which will count Apple amongst its clients.
The British-born designer revealed in a statement on the technology brand's website that he will be leaving his role before the end of the year, having spent nearly 30 years at the company.
Ive will continue to work with Apple
He will "continue to work closely" with Apple whilst he pursues "personal projects", the company said.
Ive is credited with helping to turn around Apple's fortunes and is responsible for many of the brand's most successful and distinctive products .
He created the original iMac in 1998, followed by other landmark designs including the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010 and the Apple Watch in 2015. The designer also worked closely with Foster + Partners on the design of Apple Park, the company's $5 billion headquarters in Cupertino, California.
"After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer," said Ive in the statement.
"Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple's history."
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