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40% OffOpenAI is making significant strides in its collaboration with legendary designer Jony Ive to develop AI-driven hardware under the new brand name, io. Recent reports reveal that the partnership is using supply chain connections similar to those used by Apple, suggesting a strong influence from the tech giant’s manufacturing methodologies.
As detailed by The Information, io has successfully engaged Luxshare, a key manufacturer of iPhones and AirPods, to assemble at least one of its upcoming devices. Additionally, OpenAI is reportedly in discussions with Goertek, another Apple supplier responsible for producing AirPods and HomePods, to provide essential components like speaker modules for future products.
While specifics about io’s product lineup have previously been limited, the report sheds light on some concepts being explored. These include a smart speaker that operates without a display, as well as innovative devices such as smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable pin. The initial launch of these products is anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027, based on insights from people familiar with the project.
The collaboration between OpenAI and Jony Ive has also led to a notable increase in talent acquisition. Since the announcement of io, the team has successfully recruited over two dozen former Apple employees who specialized in consumer hardware. This marks a significant rise in departures, contrasting with the approximately ten Apple hires in the previous year.
These new recruits include seasoned professionals like Cyrus Daniel Irani, who contributed to Apple’s human interface design team for 15 years, Matt Theobald, who focused on manufacturing design for nearly 17 years, and Erik de Jong, a key figure in the Apple Watch hardware team. Many of these individuals are excited about the opportunity to work on fresh ventures rather than the more iterative projects typically associated with Apple.
In addition to attractive compensation packages, the opportunity to collaborate again with renowned figures like Jony Ive, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan, who boasts a 25-year tenure at Apple, is drawing Apple talent toward OpenAI. This trend highlights the growing charm of working with innovative startups in the tech industry, especially as competition intensifies among major players.
As OpenAI forges ahead with its vision for io, the intersection of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge hardware design is set to redefine consumer technology in the coming years.
