Jony Ive’s Ferrari Luce Interior: A Glimpse into the Unseen Apple Car
Jony Ive, the visionary designer behind many of Apple’s iconic products, dedicated years to conceptualizing the Apple Car—a project that, despite its potential, was ultimately shelved by the tech giant. While the specifics of Ive’s designs for the Apple Car remain undisclosed, the interior of Ferrari’s upcoming electric model, the Luce, offers a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been. Crafted by Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, the Luce’s cockpit embodies a design philosophy reminiscent of Apple’s most celebrated creations.
A Design Language Rooted in Apple’s Legacy
The Ferrari Luce’s interior is a testament to the design principles that defined Apple’s products for over a decade. The space is characterized by strict symmetry, smooth curves, and meticulous attention to detail. This approach mirrors the aesthetic of Apple’s hardware during the iPhone 4 era, where every element was intentional, serene, and precisely controlled.
Central to the Luce’s design are circles and rounded rectangles, often referred to as squircles. Each component aligns with precision, eschewing superfluous decoration in favor of balance, material integrity, and tactile experience. This design ethos focuses on the essentials, ensuring that every aspect serves a purpose.
According to Engadget, Jony Ive personally guided visitors through the Luce’s cockpit, highlighting the seamless integration of refined geometry and near-perfect symmetry. Materials play a pivotal role in achieving this effect, with glass and metal dominating the surfaces to create a cohesive and harmonious environment.
Innovative Use of Materials
The Luce’s interior incorporates over 40 pieces of Corning Gorilla Glass, strategically placed across the dashboard, gauge cluster, and even the shifter area. Some glass elements feature subtle curves, adding depth without introducing visual clutter. Where glass is absent, anodized aluminum in muted tones—such as gray, dark gray, and rose gold—takes precedence. These restrained color choices ensure that nothing detracts from the overall form and function of the design.
A particularly innovative detail is the car key, which includes a yellow panel backed by an E Ink display. When inserted into the center console, the yellow fades and reappears through the glass shifter above it, creating an effect that suggests energy transfer without relying on screens or animations.
Candid Insights During the Reveal
During the unveiling event, as reported by Wired, Jony Ive made an unscripted remark that resonated with the audience. He stated, Part of my grumpy belligerence now is I’m done working with assholes. This candid comment drew laughter and hinted at a more unfiltered phase in Ive’s illustrious career. Despite the remark, the focus remained on the design itself, which speaks volumes about Ive’s enduring commitment to excellence.
A Reflection of Unseen Possibilities
While the Ferrari Luce does not confirm the exact vision of the Apple Car, the similarities are striking. The emphasis on premium materials, the elimination of visual clutter, and the confident, serene layout all align with Ive’s longstanding design values. Although we may never witness the Apple Car’s interior firsthand, the Ferrari Luce offers a compelling approximation, allowing us to imagine what could have been.
