OpenAI announced its acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI device startup, io, for $6.4 billion in an all-equity deal, strengthening its presence in AI-powered hardware. Jony Ive, renowned for designing Apple’s iconic products, will take on key creative and design roles across OpenAI and io. The io team, founded by ex-Apple talent, will closely collaborate with OpenAI’s research, engineering, and product divisions. This acquisition, OpenAI’s largest yet, follows recent purchases of AI startups like Windsurf and Rockset and underscores the company’s push into hardware to stay ahead in the competitive AI sector. Ive’s separate design collective, LoveFrom, will remain independent but continue consulting for major clients.
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