io Products
Jony Ive's AI hardware startup. Acquired by OpenAI for ~$6.5B all-stock (May 2025).
About
io Products was Jony Ive's AI hardware design company, founded circa 2023 to build consumer devices purpose-built for artificial intelligence. In May 2025, OpenAI acquired io Products for $6.5 billion in an all-stock deal : one of the largest acquisitions in AI history and a clear signal that the industry's leading AI company believes software alone isn't enough.
Ive spent 27 years at Apple as Chief Design Officer, leading the design of the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch : products that collectively generated trillions in revenue. His departure from Apple in 2019 and subsequent founding of io Products reflected a conviction that AI needs new hardware form factors, not just better apps on existing devices.
The acquisition gives OpenAI something no amount of engineering talent can buy: the world's most accomplished hardware designer and his team. For the startup ecosystem, the deal signals that the next phase of AI competition isn't just about model performance : it's about who builds the device you interact with AI through. Hardware is back.
Financial History
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of io Products prior to its merger?
io Products aimed to develop AI-powered devices designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life. The startup was established in collaboration with Sam Altman.
What was Jony Ive's role in io Products' formation and its subsequent status?
Jony Ive founded io Products, Inc., which later merged with OpenAI. Following the merger, Jony Ive and LoveFrom remain independent entities.
How did Sam Altman contribute to the establishment of io Products?
Sam Altman collaborated in the establishment of io Products, which was founded by Jony Ive. The company's goal was to develop AI-powered devices.