Sir Jony Ives joins Altman’s OpenAI in $6.5bn deal

Thursday 22 Might 2025 11:16 am

OpenAI has introduced the launch of its io Merchandise, based by former Apple chief designer Sir Jony Ive and Sam Altman, in a deal valued at $6.5bn.

The settlement brings one of many world’s most influential product designers into OpenAI’s management as the unreal intelligence (AI) firm expands into shopper {hardware}.

Beneath the deal, OpenAI will assume full management of io, an organization launched in 2024 by Ive and a workforce of ex-Apple engineers.

The acquisition follows a interval of quiet collaboration between the 2 companies, and offers OpenAI a direct path into the {hardware} house.

Ive will tackle “deep design and artistic obligations” inside OpenAI’s broader {hardware} initiatives.

OpenAI chief govt Sam Altman mentioned the aim was to create a “household of units”, designed particularly for AI, stating that present computing {hardware} is now not ample to help the subsequent era of AI-driven functions.

“That is about reimagining what it means to make use of a pc”, Altman mentioned.

He added that io has already produced a prototype machine, although particular particulars haven’t been disclosed.

Ive, who performed a central function within the design of the iPhone, iPad and Macbook throughout his three-decade tenure at Apple, left the tech large in 2019 to ascertain his personal artistic trade, Loveform.

He has since labored with companies together with Airbnb and Moncler. Lovefrom will stay impartial underneath the brand new association.

OpenAI beforehand held 23 per cent stake in io previous to the acquisition. The transaction will add roughly 55 engineers to OpenAI’s workforce.

The startup was reportedly backed by Emerson Collective, the agency led by Laurene Powell Jobs.

Apple shares fell greater than two following the announcement as traders evaluated the potential aggressive implications of Ive’s return to {hardware}, now aligned with probably the most outstanding gamers within the AI panorama.

The transfer comes as OpenAI seeks to increase its affect past software program and providers, becoming a member of opponents comparable to Apple, Google, and Meta in growing {hardware} platforms that combine AI at a foundational degree.