OpenAI has acquired numerous experienced individuals from Apple for its AI-focused hardware projects. The company is reportedly transferring Apple employees with high salaries and attractive stock packages. Among the transfers are notable individuals such as Erik de Jong, who worked on the Apple Watch hardware, and Cyrus Daniel Irani, a hardware engineering veteran.
OpenAI Transfers Apple Employees
This development is directly related to the process that began in May 2025, when OpenAI sought to acquire the hardware company “io,” founded by Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion. This acquisition marked the largest acquisition in OpenAI’s history. Ive, formerly Apple’s chief designer, is also known to have provided design support to OpenAI through his company, LoveFrom.
According to recent reports, OpenAI has lured employees from several key positions at Apple to participate in hardware projects. The company is reportedly promising these individuals a less bureaucratic and more collaborative work environment. It’s also anticipated that these teams leaving Apple will shape OpenAI’s first physical product.
It’s unclear what their future plans entail at this time. However, according to the latest information, options such as a smart speaker, smart glasses, a smart voice recorder, and a wearable product similar to the Humane AI Pin are on the table. The initial product hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
Regarding hardware production, it’s been revealed that OpenAI is in talks with Apple’s leading suppliers, Luxshare and Goertek. These negotiations could play a critical role in product production volume and quality control during the commercialization process.
OpenAI, which achieved significant success with its globally acclaimed software platform ChatGPT, is now preparing for an ambitious hardware launch. It’s believed that the products developed with the expert team transferred from Apple could set a new standard in the industry, particularly in terms of AI integration.
