OpenAI is acquiring the startup io, co-founded by Jony Ive, for nearly $6.5 billion in an all-stock deal, thereby gaining a dedicated division for developing AI-driven devices and ensuring that Ive and other former Apple designers provide their services. This acquisition will bring approximately 55 hardware engineers, software developers, and manufacturing experts to OpenAI, who will create a range of devices, with the first device expected to be launched in 2026.