Archive · 25 Nov 2025
OpenAI Hires 40 Ex-Apple Engineers for AI Hardware Push
OpenAI, a company known for its AI software, is now building its own hardware.
They've hired over 40 engineers from Apple, including some very important leaders.
This is a big deal because these engineers worked on Apple's most famous products.
OpenAI's first hardware products might come out in 2026.
Meanwhile, Apple is also working on new AI products, but losing these engineers might slow them down.
This shows that AI companies are now trying to make their own devices, not just software.
OpenAI has hired over 40 former Apple engineers, including senior leaders and specialists.
The hires are part of OpenAI's push into consumer hardware, working with former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's startup, io, for $6 billion to support its hardware development.
Apple is developing AI-infused products but faces setbacks due to the loss of key engineers.
OpenAI's first hardware products are expected to launch as early as 2026.
- Who
- OpenAI, Apple, Jony Ive, Sam Altman, Evans Hankey, Tang Tan
- What
- OpenAI hiring 40+ ex-Apple engineers for AI hardware development
- When
- Recent hires in the last month; product launch expected in 2026
- Where
- Silicon Valley, USA
- Why
- To develop AI-first consumer devices and compete in the AI hardware market
- Company
- OpenAI
- Key Hires
- 40+ ex-Apple engineers
- Leadership
- Sam Altman, Jony Ive
- Acquisition
- io (Jony Ive's startup) for $6B
- Expected Product Launch
- 2026
- Apple's AI Efforts
- Smart home, robotics, AI AirPods, smart glasses
- Siri Overhaul
- Google Gemini integration for $1B
