Famous Apple product designer Jony Ive led the creative and design work at Openai, the result of a rare deal announced Wednesday. According to the Wall Street Journal, Openai CEOs Sam Altman and Ive are working on AI devices, moving consumers beyond the screen for about two years.
“I’m excited to partner with Johnny. [in my opinion] “The greatest designer in the world,” Altman said in a post on X on Wednesday.
Openai has acquired all-capital stakes in IO, a joint venture between Sam Altman and Ive. The deal values the venture at $6.5 billion. According to the journal, Openai previously had a 23% stake.
IO has a staff of approximately 55 engineers, scientists, researchers, physicists and product development specialists, following the Wall Street Journal. Many of IO’s employees are former Apple designers who built iconic products such as the iPhone. They will become part of Openai. Meanwhile, IVE maintains control of his design company Lovefrom.
With the collaboration between Openai and Ive, one of Apple’s lead designers (famous for creating iPhones, iPods, iPads and Apple Watches) is at the forefront of AI that generates the latest technology waves. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, Openai has significantly increased its consumer business. Earlier this month, the company appointed former META executive and Instacart CEO Fidji Simo to lead consumer applications. If OpenAI releases consumer hardware devices, IVE can help startups compete directly with Apple.
Under Openai, IO will develop AI-powered consumer devices and other projects. The Wall Street Journal reports that Ive will play a vast role and give input to future versions such as ChatGpt.
This information was first reported on Openai’s discussion to obtain IO in March. At the time, the companies were discussing the construction of devices that would bring a vibrant version of technology from the film “Her.”
