Jony Ive, Apple designer behind iPhone and iMac, to exit company after 30 years

Ive to remain 'very involved' with Apple as he launches new creative company

Jony Ive, the chief architect of groundbreaking and distinctive designs from the iMac to the iPhone, announced on Thursday that he is leaving Apple after nearly 30 years.

Ive's departure, which was announced in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, is sure to set off shock waves in the tech and design worlds, but the 52-year-old Briton will remain involved with Apple. He plans to launch a new creative company called LoveFrom - and said Apple will be his first client.