Marc Newson Hired Part-Time at Apple for Specific Undisclosed Projects

Designer Marc Newson recently spoke to architecture and design magazine Dezeen in his first interview since joining Apple. Though most of the conversation focuses on a new consumer beer machine he created along with Heineken, Newson does reveal some interesting tidbits about his current role at Apple.

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Marc Newson with Jonathan Ive, courtesy of Vanity Fair

Newson confirms to Dezeen's Amy Frearson that he is working for Apple part-time and was hired for very specific reasons he would not disclose. He will remain in the UK while continuing to work on projects for his existing company.

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.

When asked about his role in the design of Apple's new Watch that is slated to arrive early next year, Newson was tight-lipped, answering only questions about the future of the traditional watch.

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.

Amy Frearson: Maybe I could ask you another question. With your background in watch design, can you tell me what you think is the future of the traditional watch?

Marc Newson: 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.

Newson has worked closely with Apple lead designer Jony Ive, collaborating on several products for a Product (RED) benefit auction. Newson also is rumored to have worked on previous Apple products before officially joining the company.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
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Top Rated Comments

2ms Avatar
141 months ago
Look how self-absorbed they look. Apple isn't about the product anymore since Jobs left. Cook and Ive may think it is. But in actuality it's all about them now. Everyone's faces and names front and center, the products almost secondary.

And look at how badly everything is falling apart. The sad thing is that I get no sense that Cook and Co even realize what the problém is. They seem to be focused on solar power plants and gold-plated doodads marketed by celebrities. Practically the complete opposite of what Jobs would have ever done.

Apple became who they were by doing the things the way Jobs thought they should be done. Now they've done a 180.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SmoMo Avatar
141 months ago
Would you buy a watch from these men?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joesuburb Avatar
141 months ago
Kind of getting creepy how Apple execs are taking modeling pictures. I seriously think they are getting so full of themselves that they are going to destroy themselves. This is how companies lose touch with reality and competition. Through self-worship
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
diddl14 Avatar
141 months ago
Looks like a very subtile way of giving Marc the middle finger..
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
barkomatic Avatar
141 months ago
That cover photo is over the top. It's almost a parody of itself. :D
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MartinAppleGuy Avatar
141 months ago
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.

Marc newson *winks*

Pr lady: -_-
:p
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)