New Delhi, May 22 -- OpenAI has announced it will acquire io, the AI hardware startup co-founded by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive, in an all-stock deal valued at nearly $6.5 billion. This marks OpenAI's bold entry into the hardware space.

The acquisition brings Jony Ive - the creative force behind iconic Apple products such as the iPhone, iMac, and iPad - and a cadre of former Apple designers into the fold. Together, they will spearhead the development of a new class of AI-native devices under a dedicated product unit at OpenAI.

In a joint statement posted on Wednesday (May 21), OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive said their shared vision for a new family of AI-integrated products.

Although Ive will not join OpenAI as an employee, his de...