OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is massively strengthening its hardware division by hiring around 40 former Apple employees in just one month, according to Bloomberg and reported by India Today. These recruitments demonstrate OpenAI’s intention to launch its own AI-powered physical devices, rather than limiting itself to purely software-based experiments.
At the heart of this strategy is Jony Ive, Apple’s
legendary former designer, who has been collaborating with OpenAI for some
time. OpenAI acquired its start-up, io Products, earlier this year for a
massive amount (several billions), thus integrating Ive’s expertise into its
hardware division.
Why hire former Apple employees?
OpenAI’s goal is clear: to build hardware products
that are natively designed for AI, rather than simply adapting AI to existing
platforms. To achieve this, the company relies on the experience of seasoned
Apple engineers, managers, and designers from almost every major hardware
department (engineering, industrial design, etc.).
Among the new recruits, Evans Hankey, former head of industrial design at Apple, and Tang Tan, a senior hardware engineering executive, stand out in particular. The report highlights that these are not only technical profiles but also leaders, directors, and managers — a highly strategic hiring wave to build a truly robust hardware division.
An AI-centric hardware vision starting in 2026
Altman and Ive had already hinted that OpenAI’s first
hardware products could be unveiled as early as 2026. With this influx of
Apple-trained talent, OpenAI aims to accelerate the development of these
devices, leveraging cutting-edge expertise in design and engineering.
So far, OpenAI has not launched any hardware, which
makes these hires especially significant: they show that OpenAI is taking its transition
toward physical devices seriously, not just focusing on cloud-based AI models.
Apple’s response
Meanwhile, Apple is not standing still: the Cupertino
company is also developing AI-related hardware projects under the leadership of
John Ternus. The press mentions smart-home devices, renewed efforts in
robotics, AirPods potentially equipped with cameras, and even “smart” glasses.
But the rapid loss of experienced talent could weaken
Apple’s ambitions. According to the report, Apple is “not happy” to see key
employees leaving for OpenAI, creating internal tension.
Apple is also falling behind in the AI race,
particularly in the area of personal assistants. The company has reportedly
agreed to spend $1 billion with Google to integrate Gemini (Google’s AI model)
into Siri — a strategy that highlights Apple’s difficulties in developing a
competitive in-house AI.
Challenges and opportunities for OpenAI
OpenAI’s hiring operation appears to be a strategic
bet on both talent and supply chain: by attracting former Apple employees, the
company is leveraging not only their expertise in design but also their deep
knowledge of large-scale manufacturing processes.
Additional reports indicate that OpenAI has already
formed partnerships with Apple suppliers such as Luxshare (iPhone assembler)
and Goertek (audio and wearable components) to produce its future devices.
According to these sources, OpenAI is targeting various product formats: a
pocket-sized device, screen-less speakers, glasses, and even wearable objects
like an intelligent “pin”.
Strategic significance
This strategy shows that OpenAI no longer wants to
remain a purely software-based AI actor: it aims to position itself as an AI
hardware manufacturer, with “AI-first” products designed from the ground up.
Hiring Apple talent gives OpenAI a significant advantage in design,
manufacturing, and credibility.
For Apple, this is a strong warning: one of its greatest strengths (its
world-class hardware engineering) is becoming a target for OpenAI. If Apple does
not react effectively, it may lose not only employees but also its ability to
compete in the next wave of AI-centered intelligent devices.
Risks and challenges
•
Integrating Apple talent into OpenAI’s culture: having top-level engineers does
not guarantee that OpenAI’s start-up-like hardware culture will be able to
retain or motivate them.
• Industrial production: designing an AI prototype is one thing; mass-producing
devices is another. OpenAI must secure its supply chain — hence the interest in
partnering with Apple suppliers.
• Market adoption: even if OpenAI launches devices, it must convince users to
adopt entirely new categories of AI products, especially if the form factor is
unfamiliar.
• Competition: Apple continues to develop its own AI-driven hardware, and other
major players (Google, Meta) are also active in this space.
In conclusion, OpenAI is executing a major strategic offensive. After acquiring Jony Ive and his start-up io, the company continues to hire
massively from Apple, betting on highly specialized profiles to build its first
generation of AI devices. These recruitments are a strong signal that OpenAI is
preparing to transition from a “cloud-only AI” model to intelligent physical
objects. At the same time, Apple may see its own AI hardware ambitions slow
down if this talent drain continues.
Sources :
No comments:
Post a Comment