Jony Ive wanted to master the MacBook Air and Pro in one laptop. This is how a conflict arose within Apple

Former Apple design chief Jony Ive wanted to use the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in one device. This story was told by journalist Walt Mossberg on The Vergecast podcast. He himself learned about this from an Apple employee who was familiar with the company’s plans.

Ive wanted to release a laptop that was as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but thinner than the MacBook Air. Naturally, this would lead to an increase in price.

In addition, the new laptop should replace both the MacBook Air and Pro. Apple provided one model for all users. According to Quince, it would generate greater profits through higher prices and provide alternatives.

Ive’s plan led to conflict between designers and engineers. Recently, the latter wanted to improve the MacBook Air version because it was Apple’s best-selling laptop.

Steve Jobs always wanted Apple to have a MacBook Pro and Air. As a result, Quince completely abandoned the idea.

Mossberg did not specify when exactly this happened. Most likely, the actions of trade unions in the first years after Jobs’ death and Cook’s reign. The same situation arose due to the fact that Cook expanded the powers of Jony Quince.

Tim is a man who knows what he doesn’t know. He knew he was not a product specialist. Because of this, Tim Cook handed over a large position to Jony Ive, both in hardware and software, since he was not considered in the design in the same way as Jobs.

Steve Jobs was him [Айва] editor. Steve Jobs stopped him from having the craziest ideas. Steve Jobs said no to some things and yes to others. Tim Cook didn’t do this.

Walt Mossberg

In hindsight, combining the MacBook Air and Pro into one device would have been counterproductive for Apple. On the contrary, every year a stronger company differentiates its laptops. [Appleinsider]