# Sam Altman and Jony Ive's hardware revolution shapes OpenAI's future Apple's former design genius and OpenAI leader are creating new hardware for the AI age. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c6dbef43-81a2-446e-bfa5-980d4e501695 ## A historic partnership OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's io Products marked the beginning of a groundbreaking collaboration in AI and hardware. Two visionaries are pursuing a new consumer product that could overshadow Apple's iPhone success. ## Apple's fierce response A trade secrets lawsuit from Apple before any product launch has jeopardized OpenAI's plans. The company alleges the AI giant improperly used former employees' knowledge. ## The mystery device According to Bloomberg reports, OpenAI's first hardware product will be a home AI assistant with moving mechanical parts designed to mimic human behavior, setting it apart from competitors. ## Strategic move For OpenAI, hardware isn't just a revenue stream but a way to lock users into its platform. It's a critical step as the company faces challenges to its large language model dominance. ## The design maestro's challenge Jony Ive brings his perfectionist approach from Apple to OpenAI. This time he's working with Sam Altman instead of Steve Jobs, adapting to a fast-moving startup culture. ## Dual headquarters model OpenAI's hardware team operates separately from headquarters in Jony Ive's former io Products building. Over 400 employees combine world-class talent in mechanical engineering and industrial design. ## Cultural clash risks Collaboration between Ive's LoveFrom design firm and OpenAI's hardware team brings creative potential but also vision alignment challenges. Maintaining efficiency remains a key hurdle. ## Perfectionist approach Former colleagues describe Jony Ive as obsessively meticulous about designs and protective of his reputation. He won't compromise on quality for OpenAI's hardware project. ## Personal connections The friendship between Altman and Ive extends beyond professional collaboration. They've met each other's families, with Ive's son Charlie encouraging their partnership. ## The Jobs-Ive legacy The industry watches whether Ive's partnership with Altman can match his legendary collaboration with Jobs during Apple's golden era. Early signs show promising chemistry. ## OpenAI's future The hardware move represents a critical juncture for OpenAI's IPO preparations and competitive battles. Success could redefine the company's role in the AI revolution. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/22/sam-altman-and-jony-ive-formed-a-dream-team-to-reinvent-hardware-now-its-at-the-center-of-a-battle-for-openais-future/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._