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OpenAI Completes $6.5 Billion Acquisition of Jony Ive’s io Products

Embedded in OpenAI’s San Francisco research—under Jony Ive’s oversight—the io team will drive design of pocket-sized, screen-free AI devices.

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Overview

  • OpenAI has officially closed its nearly $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products and integrated the team into its San Francisco research and engineering units.
  • Jony Ive and his LoveFrom design firm remain independent while assuming deep design and creative responsibilities at OpenAI.
  • About 55 former Apple and LoveFrom engineers and designers have joined OpenAI to support a new generation of AI-native consumer hardware.
  • A trademark lawsuit from hearing device startup Iyo led OpenAI to temporarily remove public acquisition materials before reinstating them with updated branding.
  • Ive and Sam Altman are developing a pocket-sized, screen-free AI device intended to transcend traditional smartphone and laptop interfaces.