Tang Tan the vice president of product design and prominent lead designer for Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch, is leaving the tech giant to join LoveFrom, the hardware firm founded by Jony Ive, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This move marks Tan as the latest addition to Ive’s team, which is aiming to create a new generation of hardware devices powered by OpenAI’s advanced software.
LoveFrom, described as a “creative collective” on its website, includes diverse talents such as designers, architects, musicians, and engineers. Jony Ive’s design firm emphasizes a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and creation. The minimalist website is adorned with the phrase “love and fury,” reflecting the firm’s passionate approach to its work.
Jony Ive, often regarded as the “spiritual partner” of Steve Jobs at Apple, has been a key figure in the company’s design landscape for over two decades. Having led the design process for iconic products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, iMac, and the distinctive Apple packaging, Ive is now collaborating with Sam Altman on an AI-enabled hardware project, first revealed by The Information in September.
Ive is assembling a team like the Avengers, with Tan placed specifically to oversee hardware engineering. Currently, over 20 former Apple employees have already joined LoveFrom, and Altman had previously sought a multi-billion dollar investment for the project.
While details about the specific project remain undisclosed, it is confirmed that the hardware will operate on OpenAI’s software. The development is in its early stages, with a focus on conceptualization and talent acquisition. Ive, known for his design philosophy centered on simplicity, played a pivotal role in Apple’s success.
Mark Gurman reports that approximately 14 members of Ive’s team have left Apple since 2019. This trend coincides with Apple Watches facing removal from shelves nationwide and legal disputes over alleged technology theft.
Tan’s departure from Apple adds to the company’s talent drain, signaling potential challenges when it comes to artificial intelligence, and of course, Apple is perceived to be trailing behind industry leaders like Google and Microsoft in this domain.