OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a big move during the Microsoft Build 2025 conference in Seattle, Washington. He announced that OpenAI is acquiring Jony Ive’s AI devices startup io for a whopping $6.4 billion in an all-equity deal. This acquisition marks OpenAI’s entry into the hardware world, solidifying its position in the artificial intelligence industry.
Who’s Involved in the Deal?
Jony Ive, along with his team at io, will be joining OpenAI to take on “deep creative and design responsibilities.” The io team, which includes Apple alumni Scott Cannon, Tang Tan, and Evans Hankey, will merge with OpenAI’s research, engineering, and product teams in San Francisco. This collaboration is expected to bring a fresh perspective to OpenAI’s projects and initiatives.
Why is This Significant?
OpenAI’s acquisition of io is a strategic move to enhance its hardware capabilities and keep pace with competitors in the generative AI space. With rivals like Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI making significant investments in AI technology, OpenAI is doubling down on its hardware operations to maintain its competitive edge. This acquisition comes on the heels of OpenAI’s recent funding round led by SoftBank, which valued the company at a staggering $300 billion.
In Conclusion
The tech industry is abuzz with the news of OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s io. This bold move signals OpenAI’s commitment to innovation and growth in the AI landscape. As the company continues to expand its hardware capabilities and attract top talent like Jony Ive, the future looks promising for OpenAI and its endeavors in artificial intelligence.
