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5h ago

OpenAI Finalizes $6.5 Billion Acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI Hardware Startup io

The deal, OpenAI’s largest to date, integrates Ive’s design collective LoveFrom and 55 engineers into a new hardware division focused on AI-native consumer devices.

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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 has confirmed the acquisition of io, the AI hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion all-stock deal.
  • Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom will remain independent but will lead creative and design responsibilities across OpenAI and io.
  • Approximately 55 engineers, including former Apple veterans, will join OpenAI’s new hardware division under VP of Product Peter Welinder.
  • The acquisition builds on a two-year collaboration between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive to develop AI-powered devices aimed at redefining computing form factors.
  • The first products from this partnership are expected to launch in 2026, pending regulatory approval of the deal, which is set to close this summer.