OpenAI just bought Jony Ive's "io" for $6.5B in
stock
OpenAI's largest acquisition signals a major expansion beyond software with the help of Apple's former design chief.
OpenAI just bought Jony Ive's "io" for $6.5B in stock. This is OpenAI's largest acquisition ever.
Why it matters: The deal marks OpenAI's most significant move into consumer hardware, pairing its AI technology with the expertise of the former Apple executive responsible for the iPhone and iPad.
Additional context:
OpenAI already owned 23% of io from a 2024 collaboration. They've now paid an additional $5 billion to take full control.
Ive and 55 engineers are joining OpenAI, including former Apple designers Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan
The first products are expected to be shown in 2026
What they're building: Ive and CEO Sam Altman described creating "a new family of products" for the AI era that goes beyond traditional smartphones. Altman called a prototype "the coolest piece of technology the world has ever seen," though no details were revealed.
The AI hardware graveyard
The AI hardware market has been littered with expensive, hyped-up failures. Previous attempts to create AI-first devices have struggled to justify their existence alongside smartphones.
Recent flops:
Humane's AI Pin: $699 device with poor battery life and overheating issues, later sold to HP
Rabbit R1: Failed to offer advantages over existing smartphones
The exception: Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses succeeded by treating AI as an additional feature alongside photo taking and music streaming, priced at $299. (I'm also a big fan of Solos smart glasses, because they offer non-camera based models with AI and bluetooth audio; i.e. your friends won't think you're spying on them. And no, there's no affiliate link here, and I'm not being paid to advertise for them.)
Market impact
The deal puts pressure on Apple, which has been slower to integrate advanced AI features. Apple's stock dropped 2% following the announcement.
OpenAI's hardware buildup:
Hired former Meta AR executive Caitlin Kalinowski in November 2024
Invested in robotics startup Physical Intelligence ($400M round at $2.4B valuation)
Bottom line: Success will depend on whether OpenAI and Ive can solve the fundamental challenge that has plagued AI hardware: creating devices that offer clear advantages over smartphones while remaining practical and affordable for everyday use.
Wow, this acquisition is provocative. OpenAI buying Jony Ive’s “io” for $6.5B feels like a signal flare, that the next frontier for AI isn’t just models and APIs, but how those models live in the physical world, how they feel, how seamless the experience becomes.
I have strong opinions here: I think we’ve already seen deeply that powerful software alone doesn't win if the UX, the hardware constraints, and even the emotional side of interaction aren’t accounted for. I built ScrumBuddy using Claude AI to structure chaos in the software domain, flows, review, convention, context, and the thing that always made or broke trust was how invisible but reliable the orchestration was. Putting it another way, you don’t notice good architecture; you notice when it isn’t there.
If OpenAI + design purity can deliver on invisible helpfulness, where the hardware isn’t just a flashy shell, but a bridge for AI to serve human workflows in more ambient, less interruptive ways, this could matter a lot. But history has shown it’s way easier to mess up those things. Battery life, input latency, visibility of trust, maintenance, software updates, all of it has to feel effortless or people reject it.
TL;DR: I’m excited but cautious. If this turns into well-designed everyday tools that feel like silent partners rather than devices screaming for attention, it could shift the game. If it’s just prestige hardware gloss, it might just remind us how hard hardware + AI really are.
OpenAI’s $6.5B acquisition of Jony Ive’s “io” marks a bold move into hardware innovation, blending advanced AI with iconic design to redefine the future of intelligent products and experiences.
This feels like a bold mix of vision and brand polish. OpenAI clearly wants to shape not just how we interact with AI, but what it feels like to do so. Jony Ive brings that “Apple-level” touch — which could make AI more mainstream, but also more tightly controlled in terms of design. Curious how much of this is about actual product development vs. strategic storytelling.
That's Shocking News!!!!
Scam Altman
i hope i do not sound too much like a fan boy, but i think its a bold move to get this fantastic designer into the corp.
why scam
OpenAI just acquired Jony Ive’s hardware startup io for $6.5B in stock — their biggest deal so far 🚀. The move signals how serious they are about bringing AI into beautifully designed devices (probably something beyond phones/laptops).
As indie hackers, we know acquisitions like these reshape the ecosystem — design + AI is going to be a huge wave. I’m personally following this space closely and writing more about it at aiwebix.com 🌐.
Terms & Conditions note (Indie Hacker style): Sharing this link in good faith — no guarantees, no promises, just builders helping builders. By clicking you agree you’re curious enough to explore, not to hold me liable 😉
I can understand why OpenAI wants to be like Apple, but I can't imagine what the next device will be like.
This is such a bold move by OpenAI—pairing Jony Ive’s design genius with advanced AI could really change the consumer tech game. I’ve been working on something in the AI + marketing space myself through my platform AiWebix, where we explore AI-driven strategies for digital growth. Excited to see how AI-first hardware opens up new possibilities for businesses and creators
Heard altman warning about using too much AI seems fishy
This is a game-changer for both AI and hardware! If anyone can successfully marry AI and design in a way that makes us rethink what tech can do, it's Jony Ive. Can't wait to see what this new 'family of products' looks like
OpenAI acquiring Jony Ive’s io might be the clearest signal yet that AI is evolving past screens — toward ambient interfaces and embodied systems.
I’ve been working on SheiX — a deterministic prediction engine inspired by prism logic and embedded measurement. With inference layers becoming native to hardware, it opens up a new class of systems that can anticipate rather than just respond.
Would love to connect with others exploring predictive architectures, inference design, or ambient UX.
this will bring a new wave of AI to the majority of people.
OpenAI buying Jony Ive’s io feels like a real shift — AI starting to move beyond screens into the physical world.
I’ve been building something called SheiX, a prediction system based on prism logic and real-world measurement.
Curious to connect with anyone thinking about ambient AI, inference, or hardware that feels intuitive.
OpenAI acquiring Jony Ive’s io might be the clearest signal yet:
AI is moving off the screen and into a new layer of human-machine interaction.
I’ve been building SheiX — a deterministic prediction engine inspired by prism logic and embedded measurement. This kind of expansion into AI-native hardware could redefine how we build systems that anticipate, not just respond.
Would love to connect with others exploring prediction, inference layers, or ambient interface design.
So is OpenAI planning on building AI driven hardware? I would be interested in see that.
This move is gonna be impactful across the board, in a good way. combining top-notch design and powerful AI has immense possibilities for users and developers alike
that is some serious capital for Jony, although I am sure he is good for it.
Thanks for sharing this it’s a huge move by OpenAI.
When I was studying Software Development at UNIAT, we often talked about how the future of tech depends on integrating great design with powerful AI. Seeing Jony Ive team up with OpenAI to build next-gen hardware is exciting. If they can truly create something that outshines smartphones in everyday use, it could redefine how we interact with technology.
My gut says this could have huge impact in 3-5 years - time will tell if the price was worth it.
As AI becomes commoditized, the real moat shifts to customer psychology - making complex things feel effortless.
Most AI devices fail because they're built by engineers for engineers. Or they skip over good UX (which to me means good CX)
Same pattern I see with so many websites: the best ones aren't the most technically advanced, they're the ones that understand their customers so well that using them feels obvious.
When everyone has access to the same AI, the winner is whoever makes you forget you're interacting with technology at all.
OpenAI has closed its largest deal to date by acquiring Jony Ive's startup, io. This strategic move will allow OpenAI to develop AI-powered hardware devices with Ive's renowned design expertise. The partnership aims to create AI companions that enhance daily life responsibly and humanely
honestly it was disapointing to me when I heard they purchased Ives company because I was hoping that they would purchase one of the next gen compute startups that are developing analog chips or chips that use organic neurons. Something that would really take AI to the next level. I don't think another shiny pager sized AI type device is going to do anything.
If true, that’s wild. The design + AI combo could completely shift how we interact with future tools. Curious to see if this shapes a new standard for AI-native interfaces.
OpenAI just bought Jony Ive’s startup “io” for $6.5B — their biggest acquisition ever. Ive and a bunch of ex-Apple engineers are now working on a new family of AI-powered hardware products, supposedly launching in 2026.
I’m super curious if they can actually pull it off. Most AI devices so far (Rabbit R1, Humane Pin) have felt like overpriced sidekicks to your phone. The only one I’ve seen people actually enjoy is Meta’s Ray-Bans — probably because they don’t try to do too much.
What would it take for you to actually use a standalone AI device instead of just your phone? I’d love to hear others’ takes.
Wow, this is a significant move by OpenAI! Acquiring Jony Ive's startup io for $6.5 billion signals a strong push into AI-integrated hardware. Given Ive's history with Apple, especially his role in designing the iPhone, it's exciting to think about what innovative devices might come from this collaboration. The emphasis on creating user-friendly and ethically designed products could set new standards in how we interact with AI daily. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!
Feels like they’re really going all in on making their own gadgets now. With Ive on board, I’m super curious what the design will look like-but also kinda skeptical after seeing how badly stuff like the AI Pin flopped
This is Fantastic news. OpenAI’s 6.5 Billion Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io is a significant strategic shift for the AI company resulting in the entry into consumer hardware. OpenAI will gain access to a team that created products such as iphone and Mac. This joint venture has more ethical and human centric design which will lead to technology that will enhance human well being.
Wow!
Super exciting news, really curious to see how it all turns out and how a digital-first company shifts to physical products in terms of operations.
This is definitely very significant...
That’s a massive move! Jony Ive’s design vision combined with OpenAI’s tech could lead to some truly groundbreaking products. Excited to see what comes next.
Is it the beginning of a new era of edge devices?
OpenAI has acquired Jony Ive’s design firm “LoveFrom,” also known as “io,” in a $6.5 billion stock deal. The move aims to enhance AI product design and user experience with Ive’s renowned design expertise.
OpenAI would not be OpenAI without Wojciech Zaremba
Combining OpenAI’s intelligence with Jony Ive’s design vision is a powerful start, but for this to work, It should be able to solve real user needs, be more practical and affordable.
Interesting
This headline shook me.
I’m building in this space right now, but on fumes, in a van, solo, no funding, no team.
When I saw OpenAI + Jony Ive going all-in on voice + wearables, it felt like a mix of terror and validation.
I’ve already pre-sold 100+ units of a discreet emotional AI wearable that listens to your voice and detects stress, burnout, and mental strain - all in real time.
Not a pin. Not a headset. A signal system. Worn like jewelry. Built for survival.
Now I’m out here trying to stay ahead of the wave I knew was coming.
So yeah… the $6.5B hit hard. But I’ve already built the bones.
If I disappear in 6 months, just know… I saw this first.
My lord, the way all of you solopreneur, build-in-public type people write is exhausting to read
Haha, totally fair Kareem --
We solopreneurs do write like we’re one sentence away from a TED Talk sometimes.
But when you're living in a van, dodging collapse, and trying to outrun a $6.5B hardware launch…
…you either go poetic or go quiet.
And quiet doesn't get funded. 😉
Appreciate the callout --keeping the self-awareness sharp.
You gotta be AI. Is everyone just AI here? Are there any real humans actually on this site???
Kareem
I’m not sure how to prove I’m not AI.
I could spell a few things wrong, drop a stray comma, maybe start stuttering mid-comment like:
"yo uh so like yeah I'm building a thing or whatever it’s kinda sick or maybe not idk lol"
I mean I am in a van
Drinking a Corona
(not driving though, pinky swear) 😅
Sunset’s solid
AI doesn’t get that part, not yet anyway 🍺🌅
But hey, if I was AI, at least I’d be well-written
Appreciate you keeping us honest out here. If you ever wanna trade energy instead of side-eyes, I’m down, Real builders welcome -- weird punctuation and all
ok Ryan
I want to join you, i dont have funding but i can do marketing and all the business work for you, would like to be a partner
Watching OpenAI’s hardware ambitions unfold with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Without a real "why now" — no design can save it. We’ve already seen $699 AI gadgets overheat and disappoint. Maybe the future isn’t another device, but quiet systems — simple, structured AI setups that remove noise for small teams.
My bet? The next real win is AI below the surface, not on the box.
Agree 100%. Design alone won’t save AI wearables. I’ve found that what people want isn’t just AI in a gadget, they want clarity in chaos. Tools that listen more than they talk.
Appreciate this, 100%. That line — tools that listen more than they talk — nails it. That’s exactly what I tried to build.
I'm curious—have you seen any systems or products lately that feel this “quiet” in a good way?
That’s exactly the direction I went with.
I’ve been experimenting with something that listens quietly throughout the day, adapts to the user's voice, and starts recognizing patterns without being prompted.
Not chatbot-driven. No back-and-forth required.
It’s more like a silent observer -- low-key but emotionally tuned.
The twist you mentioned? That’s the part I think people aren’t ready for… yet.
Curious what you’d want that AI to reflect back — emotion insight? Memory? Suggestions?
Thanks — I appreciate that. What you said about emotional insight hits something I’ve been thinking about too. Right now, mine works like a quiet layer — listening for friction, recurring blocks, and the shift between focus and overwhelm.
But I haven’t pushed it toward emotional mirroring yet. You might be ahead of the curve on that. Curious: if you could “teach” your AI to sense just one thing from you each day — what would you choose?
That’s a sharp frame. The “quiet layer” language especially.
To answer your question:
If I could train my AI to sense one thing each day, it wouldn’t be mood or motivation.
It’d be the moment I stop telling the truth.
Not to others. To myself.
That micro-hesitation. The shift. The subtle pause when I say I’m fine, but I’m not.
Because that’s the crack before the collapse. And if AI can catch that
That’s when it starts mattering.
maybe an emotionally adaptive ai that listen to you and provide curated solutions "just made for you". it's like open ai but with a twist that the ai adapts to it's users and gives solution using past convos. what do you think?
I love that, emotionally adaptive AI that pulls from your history to offer context-aware support is 100% where I think this is headed.
The idea of an agent that doesn’t just answer but actually remembers — and starts tailoring itself to you — is so underrated.
I've been working on something that nudges in that direction. It doesn’t talk back, but it listens all day.
Over time, it starts to know you, and that quiet familiarity? It’s powerful.
Curious what kind of past convo context you think would make it feel “just for you”? What would it need to remember to be useful but not creepy?
“What Would Make It Feel ‘Just for Me’?”
Selective Memory + Emotional Resonance
1. What Should It Remember?
Think of it like remembering a friend’s preferences, not their secrets.
Remember... Why it feels good, not creepy User’s preferred tone It mirrors how they like to be supported Their mood patterns It helps anticipate emotional dips or peaks Emotional language style Talks in their rhythm — not a robotic mirror Recurring goals, fears, or loops Brings insight only when relevant or asked for What worked well for them before Feels intelligent and respectful “Do not bring this up again” signals Shows boundaries and emotional consent.
What Shouldn’t It Remember?
Word-for-word logs unless user opts in
Personal trauma unless the user chooses to work on it
Passive data from mic/cam (unless transparently used like Apple’s on-device processing)
Rule: Curate insights, don’t hoard data.
What Makes It Feel Personal?
User-Controlled Memory: Let them see, edit, or delete what’s remembered.
Consent-based Recall: Ask, “Want me to remember this for next time?”
Emotion-tagged Insights: Instead of facts, remember feelings they’ve processed, like “You mentioned feeling overwhelmed on Mondays — want to adjust how I talk to you then
wow, great, you are wright
I’m deep in that too, except my AI agent listens passively all day and signals emotional breakdowns before they hit. It’s wild how many of us are quietly building on the same frequency.
This is a bold move by OpenAI—and a clear signal that AI is about to leap from software to lifestyle. Pairing Jony Ive’s iconic design thinking with OpenAI’s models could finally crack the code on consumer AI hardware. But the real challenge remains: can they make something that truly replaces or redefines the smartphone, not just complements it? The AI hardware graveyard is real, but if anyone can change the narrative, it’s this duo.
Totally agree, Adam, the question isn't can they build it, it's can they redefine the category entirely?
The AI hardware graveyard is littered with beautiful ideas that never figured out how to be truly needed.
I’ve been working on something similar, but from the opposite angle:
Not trying to replace the smartphone, just listening beneath it.
The vision wasn’t “tech in your face.” It was:
--- What if the most powerful AI hardware didn’t talk… it just listened?
That’s where I think consumer AI wins. Quiet, personal, ambient.
Curious..., what would “AI that redefines lifestyle” look like to you? Like, what’s the moment where it actually matters?