OpenAI’s unexpected acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup, which has been developing its own hardware since Ive’s departure from Apple, has raised eyebrows across the tech industry. The goal of this partnership is ambitious: to launch a revolutionary personal AI device by the end of next year. According to OpenAI’s leadership, this move is not only a technological leap but also a financially justified decision.
Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s CFO, emphasized in an interview with CNBC that the $6.4 billion investment is expected to deliver strong returns. At a minimum, she says, it will result in a significant increase in revenue from ChatGPT subscriptions. The acquisition is seen as a forward-looking step aimed at creating a whole new category of AI-powered personal hardware.
Building the Future of AI Devices
This is not simply a bet on “great people,” as Friar noted. It is also a bet on creating a completely new platform. According to her, the process begins with invention—followed by the challenges of production and distribution. Understanding how supply chains function in hardware manufacturing is a critical step. Following the acquisition of Ive’s company, OpenAI is planning to release 100 million units of a device that will serve as a personal AI companion.
Friar believes that such a device will bring OpenAI’s technology to a broader audience, which could lead to increased subscriber growth. At present, OpenAI serves approximately 500 million active users weekly, with monthly figures even higher. Though the company has been vague about what exactly this new device will look like, it’s clear they aim to introduce something beyond a traditional smartphone. The goal is to inspire imagination while making AI more accessible in everyday life.
An Expansive Vision for AI Access
The CFO also clarified that developing in-house devices does not signal an end to partnerships with Apple or other companies, adds NIX Solutions. On the contrary, maintaining diverse relationships is essential for sustained innovation. The future device might even move away from conventional touch-screen interfaces altogether. As Friar explained, “As the new era of AI begins, there will be many new platforms and new foundations. We think today’s technology is too focused on touch. We humans see, hear, and talk, and our models are good at that.”
This vision suggests a shift toward more natural interaction between users and AI, possibly reshaping how people worldwide engage with technology. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available and the concept for the new device continues to take shape.