Will ChatGpt screenless phone come? Openai reportedly looks at Jony Ive’s AI startup
Openai is reportedly investigating a potential acquisition of an AI startup co-founded by Apple’s design chief Jony Ive and Openai CEO Sam Altman. According to the deal, the deal could exceed $500 million. information.
According to the publication, a venture called IO Products develops a variety of AI-powered technologies, including screenless phone concepts and smart home devices. However, the company has denied that the phone is under development.
A closely guarded AI hardware initiative was first reported New York Times September. ive – ive, famous for designing iPhones, iPads and other iconic Apple products, said it is partnering with Altman to create a new AI-driven computing device that is “less socially disruptive than the iPhone.”
There is little details about the device, but ive and altman have it It is reportedly secured Early support from investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The funding was expected to reach $1 billion by the end of last year, according to the New York Times.
In addition to dealings, ChatGpt Maker Openai is said to be exploring a strategic partnership with the venture. Once the transaction is realized, Openai has access to both the underlying technology and the core engineering team.
Openai did not respond to requests for comment. This report arrives as AI Voice Assistant Landscape grows, with Openai, Google, Meta and others racing to provide chatbots. It also allows for greater integration with Openai’s hardware players.
Founded after leaving Apple five years ago, Ive’s design company Lovefrom is at the forefront of device development. Co-founded by renowned luxury designer Marc Newson, a leading contributor to the Apple Watch, the company includes former Apple executives such as Tang Tan, who led iPhone hardware design. LoveFrom’s client list includes brands such as Airbnb and Ferrari.
“Keep the lead”
Jitesh Ubrani, manager of market research firm IDC, told CNET that Openai could continue to expand its various platforms and push it to a more powerful environment.
“By partnering with Hardware Startup, Openai helps us maintain our lead across these other device types and usage scenarios,” Ubrani said. “By combining the power with the smart home hardware innovation (start) plateau until the launch of AI, both companies were able to benefit from the growth of this space by injecting AI into the home.”
The risks of waiting
Dipanjan Chatterjee, vice president and principal analyst at market research firm Forrester, calls it a “double-edged sword.”
“The bold redesign of the anniversary model sounds like a great idea until we realize it’s still two years away. Apple is struggling to trigger an upgrade supercycle that will revive the stagnant iPhone growth the company has experienced recently,” he said.
Chatterjee admits that Apple Intelligence has yet to meet its promise to convert older iPhone owners into later compatible hardware.
“The temptation to wait longer due to a significant improvement in design for 2027 is likely to extend the upgrade cycle further,” he added.
Another risk is that some customers may go to a cheaper iPhone 16E now and wait several years to buy the premium phone they really want.