In a world where AI is quickly becoming the next big thing, two of tech’s most influential names—Sam Altman of OpenAI and legendary Apple designer Jony Ive—have teamed up, and their goal is nothing short of revolutionary.
On May 21, they made their collaboration official, promising to create a new wave of AI-first devices that could change the way we interact with computers entirely.
“We’re rethinking what a computer should be,” said Altman in an interview alongside Ive.
“We’re literally on the edge of a new generation of technology that could help us become better versions of ourselves,” added Ive with optimism.
Investors Take Notice as Apple Stock Dips
The announcement didn’t go unnoticed on Wall Street. Apple shares slid 2.3% that day, continuing a downward trend that has seen the stock lose 17% of its value since the start of the year.
The market is watching closely, especially with OpenAI now stepping into Apple’s hardware territory—with Ive, no less, leading the design vision.
What They’re Building—and When
The duo has their eyes set on a line of futuristic devices, including computers and phones, all powered by next-level AI.
Altman hinted there’s even a secret product in the works—one they’re keeping tightly under wraps for now.
The goal is to release this product family by the end of 2026, and they’re calling on AI not just to assist users, but to empower them to create amazing things.
Backed by a Massive Acquisition
This partnership follows OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of “io,” a firm co-founded by Ive and fellow ex-Apple heavyweights Tang Tan, Scott Cannon, and Evans Hankey.
It’s OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date and brings a handpicked 55-person team of top-tier engineers, physicists, designers, and product developers into the mix.
This isn’t just a new chapter for OpenAI—it’s a signal that the company is seriously entering the hardware game, and it’s coming for the giants.
Design Firepower from LoveFrom
Also part of the equation is Ive’s design collective, LoveFrom, which includes former Apple visionaries like Bas Ording, Mike Matas, and Chris Wilson.
The firm, which has worked with brands like Ferrari and Airbnb, will now take the creative lead across both OpenAI and io.
LoveFrom will remain independent but heavily involved in shaping what these new devices will look and feel like.
Apple’s Challenges Are Piling Up
Meanwhile, Apple is facing pressure on multiple fronts.
Aside from market decline and looming U.S. tariffs, the company has been slow to deliver on AI innovation, with multiple delays—including the much-anticipated iOS 18.4 update with “Priority Notifications”—which was expected in April 2025 but has now been delayed indefinitely.
On top of that, Apple has experienced a wave of executive departures, making its future in AI feel even more uncertain.
Ive Returns to Compete With His Old Team
There’s a certain poetic twist here.
Jony Ive, the man behind the iPhone, iMac, and Apple Watch—the designer Steve Jobs once called his spiritual partner—is now potentially building a platform that could compete with or even surpass Apple.
“It feels like everything I’ve done over the last 30 years has led me here,” Ive said of the new partnership with Altman.
With a strong team of Apple veterans and OpenAI engineers, the project has all the makings of a serious contender.
Could This Be the Beginning of a New Tech Era?
With Apple currently on the back foot in the AI race, Altman and Ive’s venture may just pull ahead.
They’ve got the talent, vision, and momentum—now it’s a matter of execution.
As the world waits to see what they unveil, one big question lingers:
Will Altman and Ive Knock Apple Off Its Throne?
It’s too early to tell, but if Apple doesn’t respond decisively—and soon—they may no longer be the ones shaping the future of personal technology.
What’s Next?
Expect more details over the coming months, and probably a few surprises too.
For now, all eyes are on what this unexpected dream team will build—and how the tech landscape might never be the same again.