Jony Ive, Sam Altman to work on AI Hardware Project

Jony Ive, the iconic designer who played a crucial role in shaping Apple’s product design language, has teamed up with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, to embark on a new AI-powered hardware project.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the duo is bringing aboard Tan Tang, a former Apple executive and a renowned expert in the field of hardware engineering, to help develop cutting-edge devices that can leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

The project, which is still in its early stages, aims to create cutting-edge AI devices. As part of the effort, Tang Tan will join Ive’s design firm LoveFrom, which will shape the look and capabilities of the new products, according to people familiar with the matter.

The project is ambitiously being referred to as the ‘iPhone of artificial intelligence,’ indicating its potential to revolutionize the AI industry.

This venture marks one of the most significant efforts undertaken by Ive since his departure from Apple in 2019 to create LoveFrom.

The iconic designer is famous for the products he helped create under Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, including the iMac, iPhone and iPad. His hope is to turn the AI device work into a new company, but development of the products remains at an early stage, according to the people.

The efforts so far are focused on hiring talent and creating concepts. Projects in the concept stage include devices for the home

Altman, an executive who has become the face of modern AI, plans to provide the software underpinnings, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the endeavour isn’t public.

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This venture comes amidst a significant talent drain at Apple, with about 14 members of Ive’s former team having left since 2019. LoveFrom has managed to secure a roster of high-profile clients and has welcomed over 20 former Apple employees to its team.

For Apple, the departure of Tan adds to the growing list of exodus of design talent. Since 2019, about 14 members of Ive’s former team at Apple have left. Only roughly half a dozen of the designers who once reported to Ive still remain at Apple.

LoveFrom, meanwhile, has assembled a roster of high-profile clients, including Airbnb, Ferrari, and Moncler. Its three-year consulting deal with Apple ended in 2022. In all, more than 20 former Apple employees have joined the design firm.