iPhone designer Ive: I feel responsible for device’s ‘not so positive’ impact

Former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive has said he feels “responsible” for the “not so positive consequences” of the iPhone.

The 57-year-old said his work on the device had been on his mind when making decisions on other projects, but said he was still proud of the phone.

Speaking to Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Sir Jony said: “I celebrate and am encouraged by the very positive contribution (of the iPhone), the empowerment, the liberty that is provided to so many people in so many ways.

“Just because the not so positive consequences, I mean they weren’t intended, but that doesn’t matter relative to how I feel responsible, and that weighs, and is a contributor to decisions that I have made since, and decisions that I’m making in the future.”

His comments came after he told Laverne he knew “the transformative nature” of what had been invented with the phone prior to its release, and added that he knew there would be “unpredicted consequences”.

Speaking about the impact of smartphones on everyday life, he added: “It’s something that is both important and difficult.

“When you can connect to people, but it can be anywhere in your house, or while you’re travelling, that alone is extremely powerful and you need a very particular resolve and discipline not to be drawn in and seduced to be constantly exercising their capability.

“But we’ve worked very hard recognising just the power of these tools to use them, I think responsibly and carefully, and like everybody, I find that difficult.”

Sir Jony joined Apple in 1992 and became senior vice president of industrial design for the company following the return of co-founder Steve Jobs.

He remained in the role until 2019, and has gone on to design the emblem for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

The Chingford-born designer is also the current chancellor of the Royal College of Art in London.

Apple has been contacted for comment.