Cover Jony Ive and Sam Altman are teaming up to create a new generation of AI-powered hardware (Photo: OpenAI)
Jony Ive and Sam Altman are teaming up to create a new generation of AI-powered hardware (Photo: OpenAI)
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OpenAI partners with legendary designer Jony Ive through its acquisition of io, aiming to launch AI-powered devices that reshape how users interact with artificial intelligence
The company behind ChatGPT has announced its acquisition of io, a hardware-based AI startup co-founded by Jony Ive, the former design chief at Apple. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed in a video announcement that for the past two years he has been collaborating with Ive and his design studio, LoveFrom—calling it “the densest collection of talent that I’ve ever heard of in one place, and has probably existed in the world”—and has decided with Ive to merge io with OpenAI. The deal is reportedly valued at US$6.5 billion.
Also read: From the singularity to AI agents: Sam Altman on how AI will me in 2025 and beyond
OpenAI’s move into hardware signals a significant shift: an ambition to create devices that allow people to interact with AI in more intuitive and immersive ways. Altman said the new partnership’s mission is to develop “a family of devices that would let people use AI to create all sorts of wonderful things.”
While details remain under wraps, the duo has hinted at a prototype they describe as potentially “the coolest piece of technology the world has ever seen.” The first product is expected to launch in 2026.
Above Sam Altman and Jony Ive introduce io
Jony Ive is widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of our time. As the creative force behind the iPod, iMac, MacBook, iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, he helped define Apple’s distinctive minimalist aesthetic.
Ive co-founded io in 2024 with former Apple colleagues Tang Tan, Evans Hankey and Scott Cannon—all of whom, along with 55 io employees, will now join OpenAI. This includes a multidisciplinary team of software and hardware engineers, scientists and product manufacturing specialists. The io team will work alongside OpenAI’s research and product teams in San Francisco. Ive himself will lead creative and design direction for OpenAI, while LoveFrom will remain an independent studio collaborating on specific projects.
Also read: Jony Ive’s 8 most influential Apple product designs—and how they will shape the rise of physical AI
Learning from the past
Attempts at AI-specific hardware have had a rocky start. The Humane AI Pin, a screenless wearable device launched in 2023, promised hands-free access to an AI assistant. However, it suffered from short battery life, overheating and sluggish performance tied to its cloud-based processing—ultimately falling short of expectations.
The Rabbit R1, released in 2024, fared no better. Designed as a pocket-sized AI assistant with a physical scroll wheel and screen, it drew criticism for its inaccurate AI responses and inconsistent user interface.
Above Rabbit Inc. CEO Jessie Lyu presenting the Rabbit R1 AI device (Photo: Rabbit Inc.)
Rabbit Inc. CEO Jessie Lyu presenting the Rabbit R1 AI device (Photo: Rabbit Inc.)
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As an AI company first, OpenAI can learn from these failures and be the first to bring its products to the market using custom-designed hardware. With a world-class design team and firsthand expertise in AI software, the company is well-positioned to bridge the gap between sleek hardware and powerful intelligence. Furthermore, Ive’s legacy of refining existing concepts—like turning the MP3 player into the iPod or the touchscreen phone into the iPhone—demonstrates his talent for breaking boundaries.
Moreover, OpenAI has the potential to challenge Apple and Google in creating tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystems. Just as Google uses its Pixel phones to showcase Android’s capabilities, OpenAI could do the same for its own models with dedicated hardware.
Above Ray-Ban Meta glasses can access Meta AI's live translate and search functions when connected to a smartphone with the Meta AI app (Photo: Meta)
Ray-Ban Meta glasses can access Meta AI's live translate and search functions when connected to a smartphone with the Meta AI app (Photo: Meta)
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Smart glasses and visual computing devices represent another promising area. Meta, for example, has teamed up with Ray-Ban to develop glasses that integrate real-time translation and AI-powered search. OpenAI could similarly redefine how AI is embedded in everyday experiences—especially if it controls both the interface and the intelligence behind it.
With AI capabilities evolving rapidly, OpenAI’s in-house hardware team may prove crucial in ensuring its next breakthroughs are matched by equally advanced, intuitive physical forms.
