Could the next big thing in tech be a device without a screen? Whispers are circulating in the tech world about a potential acquisition that could reshape how we interact with artificial intelligence. OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking ChatGPT, is reportedly considering buying io Products, the secretive AI hardware startup co-founded by Apple’s former design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI’s own CEO Sam Altman. This move, if it materializes, could signal a bold step for OpenAI into the realm of physical devices and potentially challenge the dominance of existing tech giants.
According to reports from The Information, OpenAI has discussed acquiring io Products for a sum potentially exceeding $500 million. This fledgling company, which took shape approximately two years ago, has been quietly working on developing AI-powered devices. While the exact nature of these devices remains shrouded in secrecy, sources suggest that one concept involves a “phone” without a traditional screen, alongside other AI-enabled smart home gadgets.
The collaboration between Ive and Altman first came to light in late 2023. Their vision appears to be focused on creating an AI-driven computing device that aims to be “less socially disruptive than the iPhone,” as Ive reportedly stated. This suggests a departure from the screen-centric interfaces we are accustomed to and a move towards a more ambient and intuitive interaction with AI.
io Products boasts a team of notable figures, including former Apple designers Tang Tan, who previously led iPhone product design, and Evans Hankey, who succeeded Ive as Apple’s design chief. This pedigree hints at a strong emphasis on both cutting-edge technology and elegant design, a hallmark of Ive’s long tenure at Apple.
The involvement of Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, as an investor in io Products adds another layer of intrigue. Her investment firm, Emerson Collective, has backed the venture, indicating confidence in its potential.
While the specifics of the device under development remain a mystery, Altman has previously hinted that it would not be a traditional smartphone. This aligns with the reports of a screenless phone concept, suggesting a device that might rely heavily on voice interaction, spatial computing, or other novel interfaces.
The potential acquisition raises several questions about OpenAI’s strategic direction. Currently known for its powerful AI models and software, a move into hardware would represent a significant expansion of its business. It could allow OpenAI to tightly integrate its AI capabilities with dedicated hardware, potentially offering a more seamless and optimized user experience.
Industry analysts speculate that this move could position OpenAI to compete directly with major players like Apple, which is also heavily investing in integrating AI into its devices. By controlling both the software and the hardware, OpenAI could potentially create a unique and compelling product ecosystem.
However, the reports also suggest that instead of a full acquisition, OpenAI might also consider a strategic partnership with io Products. In this scenario, OpenAI could gain access to the startup’s technology and engineering talent, while Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, would continue to lead the design aspects of the products. This could allow both entities to leverage their respective strengths.
The news of this potential acquisition comes at a time when the AI voice assistant landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. With companies like Google, Meta, and others also vying for dominance in this space, OpenAI’s move into hardware could be a strategic effort to maintain its lead and expand its reach to consumers in new ways.
Jitesh Ubrani, a manager at market research firm IDC, noted that partnering with a hardware startup could enable OpenAI to “help maintain its lead across these other device types and usage scenarios.” He also pointed out the potential for injecting AI into the smart home market, which has seen a plateau in innovation recently.
Since leaving Apple in 2019, Ive has primarily focused on his design firm, LoveFrom, working with clients across various industries, including Airbnb and Ferrari. This potential collaboration with Altman marks a significant return for Ive to the realm of consumer hardware.
The development of AI hardware is not entirely new territory for OpenAI. The company is reportedly also working on its own in-house AI chips to reduce its reliance on Nvidia. Furthermore, there have been reports about OpenAI exploring a potential web browser product, indicating a broader ambition to expand beyond its core AI models.
The discussions between OpenAI and io Products are reportedly still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that an acquisition or partnership will ultimately occur. However, the very fact that these conversations are taking place highlights the growing importance of hardware in the future of artificial intelligence.
If OpenAI does acquire or partner with io Products, the tech world will be watching closely to see what groundbreaking devices emerge from this collaboration. Could a screenless phone truly be the next revolutionary device? Only time will tell, but the potential is certainly there to spark a significant shift in how we interact with technology in our daily lives. This potential acquisition signifies a bold move by OpenAI, hinting at a future where AI is not just in the cloud but seamlessly integrated into innovative hardware designed by some of the most creative minds in the industry. The implications for competition and the future of consumer technology could be profound, making this a story worth following closely.
