Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Jony Ive, former Apple chief designer, have officially announced a strategic partnership by launching a new company called io. This move marks a new chapter in the world of artificial intelligence hardware innovation, with io positioned as a pioneer in developing future AI devices unlike anything currently on the market.

This collaboration is more than just a tech project—it’s a union of two forces: OpenAI’s AI expertise and Jony Ive’s globally acclaimed design vision. The io team consists of seasoned engineers and scientists, many of whom previously worked at Apple, carrying a strong legacy of product innovation.

One of the most intriguing aspects of io is its ambition to create a screenless AI device, not just as a smartphone complement but as a new paradigm in how humans interact with technology.

According to Sam Altman’s official statement, io’s first device “isn’t meant to replace smartphones,” but to introduce a new form of interaction that is more natural, intuitive, and deeply integrated into everyday life.

Jony Ive affirmed that all his decades of design experience will be poured into this new device, which is expected to inspire the world. Their target is to deliver an AI device that is not only technologically advanced but also comfortable, user-friendly, and highly aesthetic.

In May 2025, OpenAI acquired io in a stock deal valued at nearly $6.5 billion. Through this acquisition, the entire io team has now integrated with OpenAI’s research and development hub in San Francisco. Meanwhile, LoveFrom—Jony Ive’s design firm—will remain independent but play a major role in shaping the design direction of all OpenAI and io products.

This strengthens the synergy between AI innovation and world-class product design.

So far, the physical form of io hardware remains a mystery. Netizens and technology analysts have widely speculated—will this device be smart glasses, earbuds, a wearable, or something entirely new?

Sam Altman himself has stressed that their product is not another smartphone but a screenless AI device offering a different interactive experience—possibly through voice, gestures, or advanced sensor technology.

The io announcement immediately sparked excitement on social media and in tech communities.

Some frequently asked questions from netizens include:

• “What will the device look like? Will it be glasses, earbuds, or something else?”

• “Will the io AI device replace smartphones?”

• “How will you interact with this device if there’s no screen?”

• “When will this device be available to buy?”

• “Can io succeed after other AI device failures like Humane AI Pin?”

The current answer from io and OpenAI is that the device is targeted for release in 2026. They promise an entirely new AI experience while keeping innovation details secret until the official launch.

Altman and Ive agree that AI will only be extraordinary if it’s wrapped in a device that meets human needs. They emphasize the importance of design that is not just beautiful but also functional and human-centered.

“Everything I’ve learned over the past 30 years has led me to this moment,” Jony Ive stated.

With significant funding, a solid team, and decades of experience in both design and AI, io is positioned to become one of the greatest innovations in the global AI hardware industry.