OpenAI is buying Jony Ive's AI hardware company | The deal is valued at nearly $6.5 billion.

OpenAI is buying Jony Ive’s AI hardware company | The Verge

Ive’s company is called io.

theverge.com

OpenAI is snapping up io, the AI hardware startup founded by ex-Apple design boss Jony Ive, in a deal valued at about $6.5 billion. Roughly 55 engineers and manufacturing experts from io (including Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey and Tang Tan) will join OpenAI, while Ive’s LoveFrom studio remains independent but will helm design across all OpenAI products, with the first hardware rolling out in 2026.

Leaks via Bloomberg and the WSJ hint the secret device is pocket-sized, contextually aware and screen-free (but definitely not smart glasses). Sam Altman calls it a “totally new kind of thing,” and both he and Ive say this collaboration—uniting top hardware, software and design talent—could usher in a fresh era of AI tools that truly elevate how we interact with tech.