The acquisition, OpenAI’s largest to date, merges Ive’s design expertise with OpenAI’s AI prowess to develop a groundbreaking family of AI-driven devices. This move positions OpenAI to challenge Apple in the race for the next transformative consumer tech product.
A Vision for the Future of Computing
The partnership between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Jony Ive, which began two years ago, aims to redefine how users interact with technology. In a video released by OpenAI, Ive described the project as the culmination of his 30-year design career, saying, “Everything I have learned has led me to this moment.” Altman, who tested a prototype of io’s first device, called it “the coolest piece of technology the world will ever seen.”
The device, still under wraps, is rumored to be a screenless, voice-based AI product—a departure from traditional smartphones. Ive emphasized the need to move beyond “legacy products,” hinting at a revolutionary approach to computing. While specifics remain scarce, the device is expected to leverage OpenAI’s AI capabilities and Ive’s design philosophy to create a user experience unlike anything currently available.
A Dream Team of Design and AI
The acquisition brings a powerhouse of talent to OpenAI. Ive, formerly Apple’s design chief, is joined by io co-founders Tang Tan, Scott Cannon, and Evans Hankey, all ex-Apple designers who shaped iconic products like the iPhone and MacBook. Mark Newson, a frequent collaborator with Ive, also joins the team. LoveFrom, Ive’s design firm, will oversee all design efforts at OpenAI, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic and functional vision.
OpenAI will handle the AI backbone, integrating its industry-leading models, while io’s engineering team focuses on hardware development. The collaboration, in discussion since April 2024, promises to “reimagine what it means to use a computer,” according to Altman. The acquisition is pending regulatory approval and is expected to close this summer.
Competing with Apple’s Legacy
The deal sets OpenAI on a collision course with Apple, which has lagged in AI innovation. As consumers await a successor to the iPhone, OpenAI and Ive aim to deliver a device that could disrupt the market. Past attempts at screenless AI devices, like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin, have struggled, but Ive’s track record and OpenAI’s AI expertise could set this venture apart. Bloomberg reports the acquisition’s $6.5 billion price tag, underscoring OpenAI’s ambition to lead in hardware and AI integration.
Ive is optimistic about the project’s potential, stating, “We are on the brink of a new generation of technology that can make us our better selves.” More details about the first device are expected in 2026, with the partnership already generating buzz for its potential to reshape consumer tech.
Why It Matters for Users
For tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, this acquisition signals a shift toward AI-driven hardware that prioritizes intuitive interaction over traditional screens. By combining Ive’s user-centric design with OpenAI’s advanced AI, the resulting devices could offer seamless, practical experiences—think faster, more personalized access to information and tasks. For example, a voice-based device could simplify daily routines, from scheduling to real-time problem-solving, without the clutter of apps or interfaces.
However, challenges remain. Screenless AI devices have yet to gain mainstream traction, and OpenAI must prove its product can succeed where others have faltered. The high stakes of the $6.5 billion deal reflect confidence in Ive’s vision and OpenAI’s ability to deliver AI that feels indispensable.
Looking Ahead
As OpenAI and io merge, the tech world is watching closely. Will this partnership produce the next iPhone-like revolution, or will it face the same hurdles as previous AI hardware ventures? With a team of design and AI heavyweights, the odds lean toward innovation. Expect more clarity in 2026 as OpenAI rolls out its first device, potentially redefining how we interact with technology.
