OpenAI has officially acquired Io, a venture co-founded by Jony Ive, the influential designer behind Apple’s legendary products, including the iPhone. The announcement was made via a video featuring Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, where they discussed how Ive’s “creative collective” will collaborate closely with OpenAI’s teams in San Francisco. The acquisition deal includes a payment of $5 billion in equity to acquire Io.
The video did not reveal specific details about the product they are developing together, but both leaders expressed their excitement about creating a new hardware device tailored for the AI era, suggesting that it may be aimed at consumers. Io was launched last spring as a joint effort between OpenAI and Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom. Initially, OpenAI had a 23% stake in Io, which has now transitioned to a full acquisition.
Following the merger, the Io team, initially consisting of 55 members, becomes part of a larger group of engineers and designers from both Io and OpenAI. Despite this integration, Ive will retain independence with his design firm still operating separately. Peter Welinder, OpenAI’s vice president of product, will oversee the team.
The founding team of Io also includes veterans from Apple, Evans Hankey and Tang Tan, who are known for their high design standards. OpenAI’s decision to bring Ive on board marks a significant step in its aim to undertake a major AI hardware initiative. Many tech companies, like Meta and Google, have ventured into AI devices, yet widespread adoption has been sluggish, with several products encountering issues.
The collaboration between Altman and Ive has been inspired by recent advancements in AI capabilities. OpenAI highlighted that computers are becoming more perceptive and cognitive, with Altman expressing hope to initiate the development of a new generation of AI-enhanced devices. Ive remarked about the significance of this collaboration, sharing his anticipation over the ambitious work ahead.
As the two industry leaders prepare to reveal their product next year, the tech world watches closely, curious about the future of AI hardware under their guidance.
