Jony Ive Joins OpenAI to Work on AI Devices in $6.5 Billion Deal
Apple’s legendary designer Jony Ive is teaming up with OpenAI to create the next big thing in AI hardware after a $6.5B acquisition of his company io.
Summary
- Jony Ive, the design mastermind behind the iPhone, is joining OpenAI to develop new AI hardware.
- OpenAI is acquiring Ive’s company io in a $6.5 billion stock deal.
- The new products aim to make AI more natural and accessible beyond smartphones and laptops.
What Jony Ive Brings to OpenAI?
Jony Ive is famous for shaping the aesthetic and functional legacy of Apple, working closely with Steve Jobs to design the iPhone, iMac, and iPad. After leaving Apple in 2019, he founded his design collective LoveFrom. Now, he joins forces with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, to pioneer the next generation of AI hardware.
Through the acquisition of his startup io, Ive will help craft products aimed at making AI more accessible and intuitive. According to the announcement, the collaboration has already been ongoing behind the scenes since 2023.
Inside the $6.5 Billion io Acquisition
The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI bought io in a stock deal valued at $6.5 billion. While Ive won’t become a direct OpenAI employee, his company LoveFrom will work closely with OpenAI and io, handling major design and creative roles. The goal? Create a new “family of AI products.”
What Kind of AI Products Can We Expect?
Though specific details are limited, both Ive and Altman hinted that they’re already working on something groundbreaking. Altman said existing tools like laptops aren’t ideal for using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and that “this technology deserves something better.”
Ive added that the first product they’re designing has “completely captured my imagination.” With ambitions this bold, it’s likely we’re looking at a totally new category of AI-native devices—perhaps something more seamless than phones or glasses.
OpenAI’s Move into Consumer Tech
This partnership signals a major shift for OpenAI. Instead of only building backend AI systems, it’s now making a clear move into consumer-facing products. This places it in more direct competition with Google, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft—all of whom are racing to integrate AI into their hardware.
Who’s Leading the New Division?
Peter Welinder, an early OpenAI executive and former head of robotics and new product explorations, will lead the io division under OpenAI. He’ll oversee development of the new product line, working closely with both Altman and Ive.
Why This Collaboration Matters
Combining Ive’s unmatched eye for design with OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI tools has the potential to reshape how we interact with technology. Whether it’s a wearable, a smart assistant, or something totally new, this project could redefine the AI hardware space.
Pros
- Jony Ive’s proven design expertise from Apple
- OpenAI gains hardware credibility to go beyond software
- Exciting potential for truly AI-native consumer products
Cons
- No concrete product details or release timeline yet
- $6.5B is a huge valuation for a still-unknown hardware startup
- Unclear how consumer-ready the technology will be
Conclusion
The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI could mark a turning point in AI product design. With their first device already in development and both leaders promising something revolutionary, this partnership might just deliver the next big leap in how we use AI in daily life.
FAQs
Q: What company did OpenAI acquire from Jony Ive?
A: OpenAI acquired Ive’s AI-focused hardware company, io, in a $6.5B stock deal.
Q: Will Jony Ive work for OpenAI?
A: No, but his design firm LoveFrom will partner closely with OpenAI and io on hardware design.
Q: What products are they working on?
A: While specifics are unclear, both Altman and Ive hinted at a revolutionary AI-native device.
