FILE PHOTO: A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed OpenAI logo in this illustration.
Credit: Reuters
OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman has announced partnership with legendary Apple Inc veteran Jony Ive to build new-age AI hardware.
Popularly known for designing the iconic iPhone, Watches, iPads and Mac devices, Ive left Apple a few years ago (in 2019) to start his own firm LoveForm. In 2024, Jony founded a subsidiary company, 'io', with co-founders Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey and Tang Tan.
The new firm is home to a 55+ team of globally acclaimed technologists, physicists, scientists, and researchers, including former software and hardware experts from Apple.
Now, the io engineers will be collaborating with OpenAI's team, and with Jony Ive at the helm, they are planning to usher in a new line of AI hardware.
OpenAI is reportedly acquiring io hardware firm for $6.5 billion.
Unlike the flop AI hardware from Rabbit and Humane, products from OpenAI's io will be significantly better and practical for day-to-day use.
“AI is an incredible technology, but great tools require work at the intersection of technology, design, and understanding people and the world. No one can do this like Jony and his team; the amount of care they put into every aspect of the process is extraordinary,” said Sam Altman.
OpenAI's SearchGPT is bringing new search experience compared to conventional browsers offers. Similarly, Jony Ive-designed io hardware is expected to bring new hardware experience for users.
“I have a growing sense that everything I have learned over the last 30 years has led me to this moment. While I am both anxious and excited about the responsibility of the substantial work ahead, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an important collaboration. The values and vision of Sam and the teams at OpenAI and io are a rare inspiration,” said Jony Ive.
If things go as planned, OpenAI's io is expected to bring its first AI hardware in 2026.
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