OpenAI has acquired io, the AI hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion all-equity deal.
The acquisition brings 55 engineers and former Apple veterans into OpenAI, while Ive’s design firm LoveFrom, will lead creative direction across OpenAI’s products.
The partnership aims to develop AI-powered devices that move users beyond traditional smartphone interfaces, with first products expected in 2026.
CEO Sam Altman plans to ship 100 million devices, competing directly with Apple and Google.
The move comes as previous AI hardware attempts like Humane’s AI Pin and Rabbit’s R1 have largely failed to gain market traction.
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