Apple designer behind the iPod and iPhone receives knighthood

British designer and senior vice president of industrial design at Apple Jonathan Ive becomes a Knight Commander of the British Empire. (AP)

The designer behind many of Apple's most popular gadgets will be knighted Wednesday at Buckingham Palace in London.

Sir Jonathan Ive, as he will be known, becomes a Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE) for "services to design and enterprise."

Born in Chingford, northeast of London, he joined Apple in 1992 and is credited with helping to shape the company's distinctive, minimalistic look.

While the late Steve Jobs was for many years the face of the Apple brand, Ive played a crucial role developing the original iPod, among other products.

Industry expert Luke Westaway from CNET said, "Ive's design input has been an important aspect of Apple's success in the last decade or so, as he played a huge part in creating the distinctive, minimalistic look that makes Apple's products so popular."

Ive was named Designer of the Year by the Design Museum London in 2003, and awarded the title Royal Designer for Industry by The Royal Society of Arts, among his numerous honors.

Responding to news of his knighthood at the time, he pointed to his British roots, saying, "I am keenly aware that I benefit from a wonderful tradition in the UK of designing and making. To be recognized with this honor is absolutely thrilling and I am both humbled and sincerely grateful."