ChatGPT maker OpenAI is reportedly looking into a potential acquisition of an artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The deal could exceed $500 million, according to The Information.

The venture, called io Products, is developing a range of AI-powered technologies including a screenless phone concept and smart home devices, the publication said. io Products has denied that a phone is in development, however, and OpenAI didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The closely guarded AI hardware initiative was first reported by The New York Times in September. Ive — who is renowned for designing the iPhone, iPad and other iconic Apple products — said he was partnering with Altman to create a new AI-driven computing device aimed at being «less socially disruptive than the iPhone.»

Although few specifics have emerged about the device, Ive and Altman have reportedly secured early-stage backing from investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Funding was expected to reach $1 billion by the end of last year, according to The New York Times.

In addition to acquisition talks, OpenAI is said to be exploring strategic partnerships with the venture. If a deal materializes, OpenAI would gain access to both the underlying technology and the core engineering team.

The report arrives as the AI voice assistant landscape grows, with OpenAI, Google, Meta and others racing to advance their AI chatbot offerings. A deal could also tighten OpenAI’s integration with a hardware player.

Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom — founded after his departure from Apple five years ago — is spearheading the device’s development. The company, co-founded by renowned luxury designer Marc Newson, a key contributor to the Apple Watch, includes former Apple executives such as Tang Tan, who led iPhone hardware design. LoveFrom’s client list includes brands like Airbnb and Ferrari.

OpenAI would ‘maintain its lead’ in AI

Jitesh Ubrani, a manager at market research firm IDC, told CNET a move into hardware would enable OpenAI to continue expanding across various platforms and make a stronger push into more environments.

«By partnering with a hardware startup, OpenAI can help maintain its lead across these other device types and usage scenarios,» Ubrani said. «Until the launch of AI, smart home hardware innovation [started] to plateau and by combining forces, the two companies could also benefit from growth in this space by injecting AI into the home.»

Meta may be working on a dedicated Instagram app for the iPad, nearly 15 years after making a decision not to launch one. The social media giant is reportedly now developing an iPad-friendly version of Instagram, according to The Information. 

Instagram has long existed solely as a smartphone app, though it is also accessible via its website. The move could mark a shift in Meta’s mobile strategy and offer Instagram users a more immersive experience on iPads. The timing also would coincide with Meta’s broader push to better compete with TikTok.

TikTok’s legal status in the US remains in limbo. US President Donald Trump recently extended the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved US buyer by another 75 days but the app’s fate is still uncertain.

Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in the past has downplayed rumors it would launch an iPad app, saying it wasn’t a priority. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, tweeted in February 2022 that «it’s still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority.»

«Hoping to get to it at some point, but right now, we’re very heads down on other things,» Mosseri added in February 2022.

A year later, Mosseri echoed that sentiment as the company focused on building out Threads. He also previously said expanding the app to more platforms would add costs and emphasized that the team is «leaner than you think.»

It’s possible, however, that interest has shifted. The company is also reportedly considering spinning off its Reels feature into a stand-alone app as it works to improve recommendation algorithms and support longer Reels, according to The Information.

In addition, Instagram recently launched a video editing app called Edits, which bears a strong resemblance to ByteDance’s CapCut, and has reportedly tried to lure TikTok creators with cash bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Sol Messing, a research associate professor at NYU’s Center for Social Media and Politics, told CNET that Meta may see strategic value in optimizing for larger screens beyond competing with TikTok. Messing was previously an employee of several tech companies, including Meta and X.

«There isn’t much data out there on iPad TikTok use, but they have continued shipping updates to [the TikTok app], suggesting they think the benefits outweigh the costs,» he said. 

Messing pointed to a few studies suggesting more screen real estate might translate to more engagement, productivity and higher levels of attention. 

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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword wants to know a lot of «Big (Color)» expressions, so hope you’re up on that. 8-A also threw me off — while I’ve heard the abbreviation they wanted, it didn’t come right to mind. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

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Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: State sch. founded by Thomas Jefferson
Answer: UVA

4A clue: Flower containers
Answer: POTS

6A clue: «Crib» or «pad,» for «house»
Answer: SLANG

8A clue: Pants, informally
Answer: TROU

9A clue: Company nicknamed «Big Blue»
Answer: IBM

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Company nicknamed «Big Brown»
Answer: UPS

2D clue: What «V» stands for on a battery
Answer: VOLT

3D clue: Big name in 1980s arcade games
Answer: ATARI

5D clue: Stuck-up sort
Answer: SNOB

7D clue: Big Red, e.g.
Answer: GUM

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