In a major strategic shift, OpenAI is diving into the world of hardware by acquiring io, a stealthy AI startup co-founded by iconic former Apple designer Jony Ive. The deal, valued at nearly $6.5 billion in stock, signals OpenAI's commitment to bringing AI innovations beyond software and into tangible products.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Jony Ive shared the news in a video on X, revealing they’ve been working behind the scenes for nearly two years on the vision for AI-first consumer devices. Ive’s team at LoveFrom, known for crafting some of Apple’s most beloved designs, will stay independent but play a key creative role within the OpenAI ecosystem.
The startup io, which has flown under the radar until now, was founded just a year ago with the goal of creating AI-native devices that empower and inspire users. OpenAI says the io team will now work closely with its engineers and researchers in San Francisco to develop hardware that makes artificial intelligence more natural, intuitive, and widely accessible.
“I want this to be democratized. I want everyone to have it,” Altman said, emphasizing the company's mission to create devices that help people build and create in ways never before possible. He described the future of AI hardware as unlocking an “embarrassment of riches” for humanity. Read More...
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