Nothing co-founder Carl Pei congratulates ex-team member for joining Apple, with a wink at Tim Cook

Carl Pei

It’s not every day that someone from a young  tech company joins one of the world’s most powerful tech giants. But that’s exactly what has happened — Mladen M Hoyss, the former creative and software director at Nothing, has joined Apple. And Carl Pei, the co-founder and face of Nothing, had the perfect reaction.

Carl Pei

“Congrats dude, proud of you!” Pei wrote on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Hoyss. But he didn’t stop there. He followed it up with a playful jab at Apple CEO Tim Cook, saying, “@tim_cook let me know if you need any more product help.”

Pei doesn’t hold back online. He’s known for his bold takes and tongue-in cheek humour on X, which often becomes the topic of discussion among fans and tech fans alike. Whether he’s taking a subtle jab at competitors or cracking jokes about his own products, Pei’s online persona has become as much a part of Nothing’s identity as its sleek hardware.

Hoyss played a key role in building Nothing OS — the clean, minimalist software experience that helped the startup stand out. His move to Apple is a sign that the industry’s biggest player is taking note of what the underdog brand has been doing.

And Pei, ever the showman, used the moment not just to congratulate a former colleague but also to remind the world where that talent came from and to throw in a little friendly shade while he was at it.

Whether you see it as banter or branding, one thing’s certain, Nothing might be the new kid on the block, but it’s making sure everyone is paying attention.