OpenAI is acquiring io, a hardware startup co-founded by Apple (AAPL) design legend Jony Ive, in a deal valued at approximately $6.5 billion, the company announced Wednesday.

Key Takeaways ChatGPT maker OpenAI announced plans on Wednesday to acquire io, the AI startup launched by former Apple design head Jony Ive.The deal is valued at just under $6.5 billion, with OpenAI paying $5 billion after accounting for its existing stake in the company.

OpenAI forms a new hardware division with the io team, led by Jony Ive, to develop AI-native devices, possibly launching a voice-first product as early as 2026.