OpenAI partners with Jony Ive to develop AI-powered hardware
OpenAI has struck a $6.5 billion deal with former Apple designer Jony Ive to create AI-enabled devices, marking its largest acquisition yet.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has entered into a landmark $6.5 billion deal to acquire io, a hardware startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. This marks OpenAI's largest acquisition to date and signals its ambitious move into AI-powered physical devices.
Key Details of the Partnership
- The collaboration brings together Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) and Jony Ive (iPhone designer) to develop a "family of devices" optimized for AI.
- Current devices like laptops and phones are considered outdated for AI applications, prompting the need for new hardware solutions.
- The technology, referred to as "physical AI," aims to integrate AI into tangible objects like robots, wearables, and autonomous vehicles.
Strategic Implications
- Ive's design firm LoveFrom will lead creative and design responsibilities across OpenAI and io.
- The partners plan to publicly showcase their work in 2025, though specific product details remain undisclosed.
- Analyst Chirag Dekate (Gartner) calls this a "decisive step" in shaping end-to-end AI user experiences.
Industry Context
- OpenAI previously invested in Humane, maker of an AI lapel pin.
- The deal accelerates competition in the emerging physical AI space, with multiple companies vying for dominance.
Image: Jony Ive at the Met Gala 2025 (Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
This partnership represents a significant convergence of AI technology and iconic product design, potentially reshaping how consumers interact with artificial intelligence in daily life.
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About the Author
Dr. Lisa Kim
AI Ethics Researcher
Leading expert in AI ethics and responsible AI development with 13 years of research experience. Former member of Microsoft AI Ethics Committee, now provides consulting for multiple international AI governance organizations. Regularly contributes AI ethics articles to top-tier journals like Nature and Science.