OpenAI has acquired Jony Ive's design firm, io, in a deal valued at $6.49 billion, marking a significant move towards developing AI-native devices. Announced on May 21, 2025, this acquisition aims to merge Ive's renowned design expertise with OpenAI's AI capabilities.
The collaboration seeks to create a new generation of AI-powered computers that move beyond traditional interfaces. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed excitement about partnering with Ive to reimagine how users interact with technology. The first devices from this partnership are expected to be released in 2026.
Ive's team has already developed a prototype, which Altman describes as a groundbreaking piece of technology. This acquisition signals OpenAI's ambition to lead in AI hardware, potentially disrupting the existing tech landscape by offering innovative AI-driven devices. The deal underscores the increasing importance of design in making AI more accessible and user-friendly.