OpenAI in Talks to Acquire Jony Ive and Sam Altman's Mysterious AI Gadget Startup

OpenAI, the company that brought ChatGPT, is reportedly close to buying a secret startup working on AI-powered gadgets. This startup, called io Products, was started by Sam Altman, OpenAI’s own CEO and Jony Ive, the famous designer behind Apple’s iPhone. The deal could be worth more than 500 million USD (around Rs 4,288 crore), and it’s a big sign that OpenAI wants to move beyond just making software and start creating actual tech you can hold in your hands.

io Products has been super secretive since it kicked off last year. It’s all about building cool, AI-driven devices with Ive’s sleek design style and Altman’s big ideas about where AI can take us. No one knows exactly what they’re making, but rumors hint at things like phones without screens or smart home gadgets that use AI in totally new ways.

The whole thing started when Brian Chesky, the head of Airbnb, introduced Ive and Altman. Ive, who’s known for designing Apple hits like the iPod and MacBook, has been leading the look and feel of these mystery products, while Altman’s been helping steer the ship. Even though Altman’s a big part of it, he’s not officially a co-founder.

If OpenAI buys io Products, it could mean they’re ready to compete with stuff like Humane’s AI Pin or the Rabbit R1, little devices that run on AI. This could put OpenAI in a spot to lead the pack in the next big tech trend. Right now, they’re still figuring out if it’ll be a full buyout or just a partnership.

A couple of ex-Apple designers, Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, have been involved with io Products, but they probably won’t join OpenAI if the deal goes through. Still, OpenAI could scoop up a bunch of smart engineers to help make their gadget dreams come true. Neither OpenAI nor Ive’s design company, LoveFrom, has said anything official yet, so everyone’s just guessing about what this team-up might bring.