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.

Founded after Ive left Apple in 2019, IO's original intention was to develop a new line of AI-powered products. The marriage of OpenAI and IO has been rumored to center around a new screenless smartphone. Last month, IO denied that a phone was in the works, while OpenAI did not comment.

OpenAI is buying Jony Ive's startup io Products in a $6.5 billion deal and will bring the chief designer of early iPhones on board as creative head to develop devices tailored for the generative artificial intelligence era.