Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive seek $1 billion for groundbreaking AI project, dubbed the “iPhone of AI”
Former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are teaming up to create the “iPhone of AI” in a groundbreaking collaboration. They are reportedly seeking $1 billion in funding to revolutionize personal technology.
According to sources cited by The Information, the as-yet-unnamed startup is courting major venture capitalists, including heavyweights such as Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective. This move highlights industry anticipation around the project and hints at its potential to disrupt the technological landscape.
Details of the nature of the AI device are still under wraps, with insiders hinting that it will not resemble traditional smartphones. Altman, a major backer of the off-screen Humane AI pin, is thought to be exploring similar avenues alongside Ive, adding new intrigue to their collaboration.
Visionary user interface
Inspired by the revolutionary impact of the first iPhone, Ive and Altman are said to have focused on creating an interface that seamlessly integrates AI into everyday life. Their vision echoes the transformative power of touchscreens and hints at a paradigm shift in our interaction with technology.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has reportedly joined the discussions and suggested bringing Armi, the chip design company, under SoftBank’s umbrella. Discussions about a possible new company that utilizes the strengths of both parties have emerged, although concrete agreements have not yet been reached.
Talent acquisition and conceptualization
For Ive, whose departure from Apple in 2019 marked the end of an era, this venture marks a bold new chapter. The possibility of competing with his former employer, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning, adds extra intrigue to the unfolding story.
To bolster their ranks, Tang Tan, a former head of design for the iPhone and Apple Watch, has been recruited to join Ive. Tan’s hardware design expertise, honed during his tenure at Apple, will play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics of future products, including the enigmatic AI device.
While the project is still in its early stages and the focus is on talent acquisition and conceptualization, the buzz of home-use devices running on OpenAI software has started to emerge. However, the road to market readiness is long and arduous, suggesting that eager consumers may have to exercise patience before the fruits of Altman and Ive’s labor are realized.
