OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed AI powerhouse, is reportedly in discussions to acquire io Products, an artificial intelligence hardware venture co-founded by renowned Apple design veteran Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
According to a report by The Information, OpenAI has proposed a deal valued at approximately $500 million to purchase the nascent startup. While the acquisition is on the table, sources suggest the two entities might also consider a strategic partnership instead, focusing on co-developing AI-driven consumer devices.
Despite being in its early stages, io Products has attracted investment from high-profile backers including Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective. The team is notably composed of former Apple design talent, including Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, who worked closely with Ive on past Apple products.
From iPhone to AI: Jony Ive’s New Chapter
Jony Ive, widely celebrated for designing iconic Apple products such as the first iPhone, departed Apple in 2019 to launch his design firm LoveFrom. Since then, he has quietly collaborated with Sam Altman on a vision to reimagine how humans interact with AI.
In a previous interview with The New York Times, Ive shared insights into this vision—hinting at an AI device designed to be more intuitive and less socially disruptive than smartphones. The goal is to enable seamless, human-centered interactions with artificial intelligence, moving away from screen-dominated experiences.
A New Frontier in AI Hardware
While io Products remains relatively under the radar, it is reportedly exploring a variety of AI hardware concepts that could redefine everyday tech. These devices aim to blend cutting-edge AI with thoughtful product design, potentially marking a new chapter in how we interact with intelligent systems.
If the acquisition moves forward, it could position OpenAI at the forefront of not just software, but also AI-native hardware innovation—much like Apple did for smartphones.
