The gadget no one asked for, but everyone might want

OPENAI

The gadget no one asked for, but everyone might want

OpenAI has just bought io, a hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and a group of ex-Apple engineers, in a deal worth nearly $6.5 billion.

Ive won’t be joining OpenAI directly, but his design firm LoveFrom will now handle the design of all OpenAI products, both hardware and software.

About 55 people from io, including engineers and manufacturing specialists, are moving over to OpenAI.

That includes Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan. The first products from this partnership are expected to launch in 2026.

Altman and Ive have already been working together for two years, exploring ideas like AI-powered hardware with cameras and sensors.

One of the upcoming devices won’t have a screen, won’t be smart glasses, and is meant to be pocket-sized and context-aware.

It’s not aiming to replace the smartphone, but rather introduce a whole new category of tech.

Here’s what you should know:

• OpenAI is bringing on io’s full hardware team to build a brand-new AI device.

• The first product is expected in 2026 and will be screen-free, pocket-sized, and context-aware.

• Jony Ive’s firm LoveFrom will lead design across all OpenAI projects.

The next iPhone?

Both Altman and Ive seem genuinely excited.

Altman says he’s been testing a prototype and calls it “the coolest piece of tech the world will have ever seen.”

Ive believes this moment brings together everything he’s learned over the past 30 years, and says great AI tools need to be built with care, design, and deep understanding of people.

This better not be another Humane Pin situation, I’m emotionally unavailable for flops.