Jonathan Ive not leaving Apple after all

Not long ago, Apple design head Jon Ive was at the centre of rumours that led some to wonder about the long-term viability of Apple's most iconic product lines. Word was that Ive was looking to head back to England and may even be considering stepping down at Apple to do so.

Well, worry no more. A recent profile in The Daily Mail shoots down the idea that Ive will be leaving Silicon Valley and returning to the UK any time soon.

This is welcome news to Mac fans who were worrying that the company would lose its most infuential designer just weeks after chief executive Steve Jobs took a helath-related leave of absence. The prospect of losing two of the company's driving forces could have been disastrous for Apple.

The story also casts doubt on the notion that Ive might be the choice to take over from Jobs. While Ive was on the shortlist to replace Jobs, the suggestion that he's not keen on taking the job is hardly a shock.

Few designers are willing to step over into the corporate world and take over the financial side along with the creative, even if it does mean running one of the most prestigious brands in the world.

All things considered, it's great news for Apple users. Here's hoping for many more years of Ive staying at Apple and continuing to design great products.