April 7, 2025:
OpenAI Eyes Jony Ives AI Hardware Startup - OpenAI is considering acquiring io Products, an AI hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The potential deal is valued at around $500 million and involves io Products, which focuses on developing AI-enabled devices with a team that includes former Apple talents like Tang Tan and Evans Hankey.
Backed by Emerson Collective, io Products aims to create technology that is less socially disruptive than the iPhone. OpenAI is also exploring alternatives to acquisition, such as a partnership with io Products.
