OpenAI has made a bold move into hardware with the acquisition of io, a design-driven startup founded by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive—the figure behind some of the world’s most iconic products. The $6.4 billion all-equity deal marks OpenAI’s most significant acquisition yet and signals a shift from pure software to the creation of intelligent, responsive physical products.
The designer-led team at io, which includes former Apple collaborators Scott Cannon, Tang Tan, and Evans Hankey, will now work in close collaboration with OpenAI’s engineers in San Francisco. Together, the teams aim to imagine a new generation of AI-native devices—tools built from the ground up to enhance how we live and interact with artificial intelligence.
While details of the partnership remain under wraps, the shared vision is clear: to design hardware that merges emotional clarity with deep tech. Ive and his creative collective, LoveFrom, will continue to operate independently while leading the creative direction for io’s future alongside OpenAI. A first look at their collaborative efforts is expected in 2026.
“Current devices weren’t made for AI,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, emphasizing the need for a fresh, purpose-built approach. The acquisition is already being seen as a defining moment in the evolution of physical AI—one where intuitive design, material sensibility, and machine intelligence intersect.