In a groundbreaking move that merges design excellence with technological innovation, OpenAI has officially acquired the AI device startup founded by legendary Apple designer Sir Jony Ive. The deal, confirmed on May 21, 2025, marks a significant shift in OpenAI’s ambitions to venture into the hardware space. As part of the acquisition, Jony Ive has been named OpenAI’s new Creative Head, signaling a bold new era of AI-driven consumer products.
Jony Ive, renowned for shaping the iconic designs of the iPhone, iMac, and iPad during his tenure at Apple, launched his AI-focused hardware startup in collaboration with investment firm LoveFrom and SoftBank. The startup, though still in its early stages, aimed to reimagine the way humans interact with artificial intelligence through minimalist, intuitive hardware. OpenAI’s acquisition of the company indicates a clear strategic pivot: transforming its flagship AI technologies like ChatGPT into tangible, user-friendly products.
Sources close to the matter revealed that the deal is valued in the high hundreds of millions, although the exact figures remain undisclosed. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his admiration for Ive’s design philosophy, stating, “Bringing Jony on board aligns with our mission to make AI accessible, delightful, and safe. His design language will help redefine human-AI interaction.”
Industry analysts suggest that this partnership could result in the development of a next-generation AI assistant device—possibly a sleek, voice-first, screen-free wearable or home hub. With Jony Ive’s proven ability to craft emotionally resonant technology and OpenAI’s leadership in artificial intelligence, the collaboration could pose a significant challenge to existing players like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The acquisition also underscores the ongoing trend of AI companies expanding into the hardware market. Following recent announcements by companies like Humane and Rabbit, which also focus on AI-native devices, OpenAI’s entry into this space adds serious weight to the belief that the next computing revolution will be interface-driven, not just software-based.
Moreover, OpenAI’s move could signal a broader intention to control the end-to-end experience of AI—from backend large language models to the devices people use every day. This vertical integration echoes Apple’s own ecosystem strategy, one which Jony Ive helped pioneer during his time at Cupertino.
In a press release, Ive commented, “I am thrilled to join OpenAI at this critical moment. There is an extraordinary opportunity to design tools that empower rather than overwhelm. AI must be human-centered, and design plays a fundamental role in achieving that.”
Conclusion:
The acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup by OpenAI is more than just a business transaction—it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence. By merging visionary design with advanced AI, OpenAI is poised to shape the future of how humans interact with technology. As Jony Ive assumes his role as Creative Head, the tech world eagerly awaits the innovations that this powerful collaboration will unleash.
