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2d ago

OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Startup io in $6.5 Billion Deal to Build AI Devices

The acquisition integrates 55 engineers and positions OpenAI to launch innovative AI-powered hardware by 2026, with Jony Ive’s LoveFrom leading design efforts.

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Jony Ive (left) and Sam Altman are teaming up
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Jony Ive speak onstage during Vox Media's 2022 Code Conference. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vox Media)

Overview

  • OpenAI announced its largest acquisition to date, purchasing Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup io for $6.5 billion in an all-equity deal.
  • Jony Ive, renowned for designing iconic Apple products, will lead design and creative efforts across OpenAI and io through his firm LoveFrom, which will remain independent.
  • The acquisition brings 55 engineers, including former Apple executives, to OpenAI’s San Francisco-based research and product teams.
  • The merged teams are developing entirely new AI-powered devices, with the first products expected to launch in 2026, though details remain under wraps.
  • The deal is pending regulatory approval and reflects OpenAI’s strategic push to differentiate itself by combining AI advancements with custom hardware.