Updated May 21, 2025 - Technology

Apple design guru Jony Ive joins OpenAI in $6.5 billion hardware deal

Ina Fried

OpenAI said Wednesday it will pay $5 billion in stock for io, a startup co-founded by Jony Ive to create a new generation of AI devices.

Why it matters: The move will place Ive — the Steve Jobs collaborator who masterminded many of Apple's design breakthroughs — in a key creative role for OpenAI.

What they're saying: OpenAI said the first new products from the deal are set to be shown in 2026.

"Thrilled to be partnering with jony, imo the greatest designer in the world. excited to try to create a new generation of AI-powered computers," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X.

Driving the news: The deal, slated to close this summer, values io at just under $6.5 billion.

OpenAI already had a stake in the company as part of a collaboration agreement signed last year.
OpenAI is paying a further $5 billion in stock, based on the OpenAI's most recent $300 billion valuation.
io's 55 employees will join OpenAI and form a new hardware division to be led by Peter Welinder.
Ive's LoveFrom design consultancy will remain independent.

Editor's note: This story is breaking news and will be updated.

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Apple design guru Jony Ive joins OpenAI in $6.5 billion hardware deal

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