Famed designer Marc Newson, and close friend of Apple designer Jony Ive, attracted a lot of questions when he was hired by Apple. Newson was hired before Apple had announced the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, and it was unclear what his role will be at the time. Now Newson himself offers some details, saying that he was hired to work on a specific project, which he cannot elaborate upon.
In an interview with Dezeen Newson says that he was hired part-time to work on a very specific project with Apple.
Amy Frearson: You've taken on quite a major role with Apple, do you think you'll still have time to work on these kinds of project as well?
Marc Newson: Yes absolutely, because my role at Apple doesn't necessitate all of my time and that was for very specific reasons, so absolutely, my company still exists and I remain based in the UK.
Amy Frearson: And can you tell me what you're working on at Apple?
Marc Newson: Not really! Sorry!
Mark van Iterson: They'll fire him immediately if he does.
Marc Newson: And I've only just started!
Amy Frearson: Can you tell me if you were involved in the watch design?
Marc Newson: Apparently I can't.
PR Lady: Sorry we can't answer that, sorry.
Given that the Apple Watch was conceived long before Newson was hired and that he was only hired just prior to the announcement of the wrist-adorned gadget, Newson may not have had enough time to steer the design of the Apple Watch.
Whatever project Newson is hired to consult for or work on, this isn't the first time that he is working with pal Jony Ive. The two were involved in creating a stunning red Mac Pro for charity among other items.
As far as mechanical watches, here's what Newson had to say:
There will always be a place for mechanical watches. Apart from telling the time – which is all they do – they're about something completely different. You know, I think that the mechanical watch industry will continue to exist in much the same way as it does right now. To be honest I'm not really intimately aware of what's happening with the world of mechanical watches right now.
So what secret project do you imagine Newson to be collaborating on at the moment?
Source: Dezeen
