Apple Hardware VP Joins Rivian, Fueling Speculations Amidst Car Project Delays

A high-profile departure is underway at Apple's hardware engineering division, as VP DJ Novotney has decided to join Rivian.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is moving closer to filing a massive lawsuit against Apple, targeting the tech giant's alleged anti-competitive practices.

Leaving Apple for Rivian

Amidst speculations that Apple's long-discussed car project is not as imminent as previously thought, The Verge revealed that Novotney, who played a pivotal role in Apple's development of products like the iPod & iPhone, is making the move to the electric vehicle company Rivian.

Novotney contributed significantly to Apple's ambitious "Titan" car project and, more recently, was involved in exploring the possibilities of future home services incorporating robotics and AI.

This departure hints at potential shifts in Apple's strategic focus and technological pursuits, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative surrounding the company's endeavors beyond its established product lines.

DJ Novotney, a veteran vice president of hardware engineering at Apple, communicated his departure to colleagues on Friday, as per sources familiar with the matter.

In his new position, he will report directly to Rivian's Chief Executive Officer, RJ Scaringe. It's important to note that this information comes from insiders who prefer to remain anonymous while discussing details that have not been officially announced.

Novotney's Experience

Having dedicated nearly 25 years to Apple, Novotney held a prominent role as a senior lieutenant working closely with the company's top hardware engineering executives. His influential contributions spanned several iconic Apple products.

Recognized for his expertise, Novotney was specifically chosen by former hardware chief Dan Riccio to play a key role in steering the development of the iPad.

This move to Rivian signals a significant transition in Novotney's career and raises questions about potential shifts in Apple's hardware engineering leadership, as reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.

Novotney, a seasoned vice president of hardware engineering at Apple, shared his gratitude for being part of teams that shaped revolutionary products such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

He expressed his luck in contributing to the development of these iconic devices. Despite Apple being a significant part of his life, Novotney conveyed that the time has come for him to move on and participate in the creation of new products.

Notably, Novotney's involvement extended to bringing the Apple Watch to market, a project initiated by Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams and former head designer Jony Ive.

Moreover, around a decade ago, he played a pivotal role in kickstarting Apple's venture into electric vehicles, working on the project codenamed Titan. This diverse and impactful career path positions Novotney as a key figure in the annals of Apple's product development history.

During a reshuffling of the car project due to persistent setbacks a few years ago, Teslarati reported that Novotney transitioned to a senior executive role overseeing the development of upcoming home devices.

This included ventures into the realms of robotics and artificial intelligence. Notably, Apple has been exploring innovative concepts, such as a HomePod equipped with a display capable of swiveling through the use of a robotic arm.