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io Products, Inc.

Category: AI Infrastructure

An AI-native hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive and OpenAI to develop a new generation of human-centric computing devices powered by artificial general intelligence. io Products, Inc. was founded in 2024. The company is led by Jony Ive. Based in San Francisco, USA. Team size: 55. Total funding raised: $7.5B. Latest round: Acquisition, $6.5B, 2025-05, led by OpenAI. Key investors include OpenAI, SoftBank, Thrive Capital, Emerson Collective, Sam Altman.

Founded
2024
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Team size
55
Total funding
$7.5B

Value proposition

Reimagines human-computer interaction through design-first, AI-native hardware that reduces screen dependency and integrates AGI into daily life without the social friction of traditional mobile devices.

Products and solutions

AI-Native Computing Device (Flagship hardware), Ambient AI Interface (Voice and gesture-based OS), Integrated OpenAI AGI Software Stack, Human-Centric Interaction Protocols

Unique value

Combines Jony Ive's 'design-first' philosophy with OpenAI's AGI models to create hardware built specifically for AI interaction rather than retrofitting AI into existing screen-based paradigms.

Target customer

General consumers seeking a 'less socially disruptive' alternative to smartphones, and enterprise users requiring seamless, ambient AI interaction.

Industries served

Consumer Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Personal Computing, Industrial Design

Technology advantage

Deep vertical integration with OpenAI’s proprietary LLMs and access to a world-class design team from LoveFrom and former Apple veterans (Tang Tan, Evans Hankey). Focuses on 'ambient' computing to minimize social disruption.

How they differentiate

Focuses on 'ambient computing' and a design-first philosophy that prioritizes human-centric interaction over screen-based dependency, leveraging Jony Ive’s industrial design pedigree and deep vertical integration with OpenAI’s AGI models.

Main competitors

Humane, Rabbit Inc., Meta (Reality Labs), Apple

Key partnerships

LoveFrom (Independent design collective led by Jony Ive), OpenAI (Parent company and core technology provider), SoftBank (Early-stage funding and strategic discussions)

Notable customers

Internal OpenAI R&D (Beta), Early Adopter Enterprise Partners

Major milestones

Company founded in early 2024 by Jony Ive and Sam Altman, Recruited top Apple design veterans Tang Tan and Evans Hankey in late 2024, Secured $1B in strategic funding led by SoftBank in late 2024, Acquired by OpenAI for $6.5B in May 2025 to lead the new 'OpenAI Hardware' division

Growth metrics

Rapidly scaled from a stealth team of 10 to 55 world-class designers and engineers within 12 months; achieved a $6.5B exit within one year of formal incorporation.

Market positioning

Premium AI-native hardware pioneer targeting the high-end consumer electronics market.

Geographic focus

Global, with primary operations and initial launch focus in North America.

Patents and IP

Proprietary industrial designs and AI-hardware interface protocols; currently involved in a trademark dispute with iyO, Inc. regarding the 'io' brand name.

About Jony Ive

Sir Jony Ive is one of the most influential designers in history, having served as the Chief Design Officer at Apple from 1992 to 2019. During his tenure, he led the design of iconic products including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. After leaving Apple, he founded the creative collective LoveFrom. In 2024, he co-founded the AI hardware startup io Products, Inc. with several former Apple veterans. The company was acquired by OpenAI in May 2025 for $6.5 billion, and Ive now serves as the Creative Head at OpenAI, leading its hardware and design initiatives.

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