Imagine gliding into the future with elegance, the soft hum of a brilliant design enveloping you. Jony Ive, renowned for his artistry at Apple, is now steering the interior of Ferrari’s electric revolution. With every curve and detail, the anticipation of the Ferrari Luce intensifies.
On Monday, Ferrari shared the first glimpse of the Luce’s interior, a name that translates to “light” in Italian. This revelation signifies the second phase in a meticulous three-part introduction. Last October, Ferrari showcased the foundational technology underlying this vehicle, with the exterior slated to make its debut in May.
As detailed in a press release, the iconic automaker has spent five years collaborating with Ive’s creative collective, LoveFrom. Recall that during his tenure at Apple, Ive shaped beloved products like the iMac and iPhone, turning them into works of art.
It’s no surprise that the Luce’s interior embodies Ive’s signature design language. A harmonious blend of rounded forms, aluminum, and glass creates a sanctuary that hints at what could have been, had Apple pursued its own vehicle ambitions. Yet, in 2024, Apple officially closed its car project, leaving Ferrari to carry the torch.
Here’s a twist: despite being an all-electric marvel, Ive has opted for tactile controls over typical digital interfaces. Where most EVs lean into expansive touchscreens, the Luce boasts a plethora of physical buttons, levers, and knobs crafted from aluminum and glass. Picture the air vents gracefully twisting open and close while a glass gear-shift handle commands attention at the center console. Ferrari assures us that the glass components bear the hallmark of Corning, the technology giant behind the iPhone screens.
This striking vehicle even comes equipped with a rectangular glass key fob featuring an e-ink display. When docked beside the gear shift, it comes alive, turning yellow and powering up the car. A details lover’s dream.
The digital displays, including the binnacle behind the steering wheel and a swiveling central control panel, utilize Samsung OLED screens, creating an impressive visual experience.
“If the power source is electric, why does it follow that the interface be digital? I think that’s a bizarre and lazy assumption,” Ive shared with Bloomberg at a recent event in San Francisco. He emphasizes that the Luce’s electric foundation opens the door to design enhancements without sacrificing the joy of tactile interaction, reminiscent of our beloved classic Ferraris.
But the Luce isn’t just a standalone marvel. There’s more brewing between Ive and LoveFrom. In 2025, Ive’s AI device startup io caught the attention of OpenAI, who acquired it for approximately $6.5 billion. In a letter announcing the merger, both leaders highlighted LoveFrom’s impending role in open-ended design for the AI company. Rumor has it their first physical creation might surface in the latter half of this year. Can you feel the excitement brewing?