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2w ago

OpenAI Explores $500M Acquisition of Jony Ive and Sam Altman's AI Hardware Startup

The early-stage venture, io Products, aims to develop innovative AI-powered devices, including a potential screenless 'phone,' with design expertise from Ive's LoveFrom studio.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Apple Sr VP of industrial design Sir Jonathan "Jony" Ive attends the launch party for TASCHEN's "Marc Newson Works" at TASCHEN on September 8, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
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Here’s how iO Products, an AI hardware company, plans to replace iPhones.
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Overview

  • OpenAI is in discussions to acquire io Products, the AI hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive and Sam Altman, for at least $500 million.
  • The startup is reportedly working on AI-powered devices, including a speculative 'phone' without a screen, though no product designs have been finalized.
  • io Products is backed by Emerson Collective and employs a small team of former Apple designers, including Tang Tan and Evans Hankey.
  • Alternative to a full acquisition, OpenAI and io Products are also exploring potential partnership structures to collaborate on development.
  • If acquired, OpenAI would gain access to io Products' technology, engineering team, and LoveFrom's design expertise, positioning it to compete directly with Apple in the AI hardware market.