In a groundbreaking development that could reshape our technological future, legendary iPhone designer Jony Ive has joined forces with OpenAI. The AI powerhouse announced Wednesday it will acquire Ive's hardware startup io for a staggering $6.5 billion in stock.

The deal brings Ive—Steve Jobs' close collaborator and the creative mind behind Apple's most iconic products—into a key role at OpenAI, where he'll spearhead the development of next-generation AI devices.

"I have a growing sense that everything I have learned over the last 30 years has led me to this moment," Ive stated about the partnership.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his enthusiasm on X:

"Thrilled to be partnering with jony, imo the greatest designer in the world. excited to try to create a new generation of AI-powered computers".

The acquisition marks OpenAI's largest to date, with io's 55-person team joining to form a new hardware division. While Ive will assume significant creative responsibilities across both companies, his design firm LoveFrom will remain independent.

The first products from this collaboration are expected to debut in 2026, potentially creating AI interfaces that move beyond traditional screens and establishing a new paradigm for how we interact with technology.