Former Apple designer confirms collaboration with OpenAI on AI hardware, plans to raise $1 billion by year-end
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Former Apple designer confirms collaboration with OpenAI on AI hardware, plans to raise $1 billion by year-end
Its core idea is that as AI capabilities rapidly advance, human interaction with computers and software will inevitably undergo a transformative breakthrough.
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Rumors have circulated since April that ChatGPT developer OpenAI has been collaborating with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on a hardware device, and recent reports about Ive have now confirmed these speculations.
A new report on Ive published this week by The New York Times mentions the existence of this project. According to the article, Ive had dinner with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last year, introduced by Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb.
Following that meeting, the two devised a plan to create a new type of computing device powered by generative AI. The core idea is that as AI capabilities rapidly advance, human interaction with computers and software will undergo a fundamental transformation.
The report notes that their discussions centered on "how generative AI could enable an entirely new kind of computing device." This technology could perform far more tasks for users than traditional software—such as summarizing and prioritizing information, identifying and naming objects, or fulfilling complex requests like booking travel arrangements.
This sounds familiar, as similar attempts have already been made.
For example, earlier this year, the Rabbit R1 was released, claiming to be trained across thousands of interfaces and capable of automatically handling tasks such as booking flights, movie tickets, or even ride-hailing services.
Unfortunately, the device failed to gain traction—much like the Humane Ai Pin, which shares a similar vision. The Ai Pin aimed to largely replace smartphones using generative AI in a wearable form factor, but it has suffered from battery life and overheating issues since launch.
Another reason these generative AI devices may have failed is that consumers appear to prefer using AI services on their smartphones rather than dedicated AI hardware.
Nonetheless, Ive and Altman’s startup is aiming for stronger execution, having already brought in several key talents.
The current 10-person team includes Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, both former Apple design leads who worked closely with Ive on hit products like the iPhone.
The report states that Ive’s company, LoveFrom, is leading the product’s design. That said, the Humane Ai Pin was also designed and launched by former Apple employees.
To support their operations, Ive and his team purchased a 32,000-square-foot building in San Francisco called the Little Fox Theater for $60 million in February.
Funding this ambitious venture is no small feat either. Ive’s company has reportedly received investment from Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and plans to raise up to $1 billion more from investors by the end of the year.
The device has been described as an "AI version of the iPhone," with its design potentially drawing inspiration from the original iPhone and touch-based technology.
As for specific details about this mysterious product, nothing has been revealed yet.
Marc Newson, co-founder of LoveFrom, told The New York Times that the final form and release timeline of the product are still being determined.
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