OpenAI said it was buying IO, a start-up founded by Mr. Ive, the designer of the iPhone, to usher in a new era of artificial intelligence hardware.

Sam Altman is working with Ive to secure direct user access, showing how distribution is becoming more important than technology in the AI race.

OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's company is intriguing, but Apple doesn't have anything to worry about just yet.

In a move that casts a shadow across Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developer’s Conference, OpenAI has announced that it will purchase io, the AI startup founded by acclaimed former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, who helped create the iMac, iPod, and iPhone.

OpenAI just made its biggest move yet — buying Jony Ive's AI startup — with hopes of building something that feels as magical as the first iPhone.

The Verge team has a few guesses about the first hardware release from the OpenAI and io combination. Let us know yours in the comments. * Richard Lawler: Speaker / projector combo. * Wes Davis and Andrew Liszewski: Her-style earbud plus puck controller.