iPhone of AI: Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive want $1 billion for ‘revolutionary’ project

Tech titans Jony Ive and Sam Altman are teaming up to create a groundbreaking AI device, seeking a whopping $1 billion in funding to revolutionise personal technology.

By: MD IJAJ KHAN
| Updated on: Apr 07 2024, 13:44 IST
iPhone 16 leaks: From bigger screens to AI capabilities, know what to expect from next-gen Apple phones
iPhone of AI
1/5 Apple analyst Ross Young suggests that Apple might increase the screen size for its Pro models. That means the iPhone 16 Pro could get a 6.3-inch display whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max could stretch to a mammoth 6.9-inch display. The vanilla iPhone 16 variants are likely to retain their current sizes. (Unsplash)
iPhone of AI
2/5 As per the reports, the iPhone 16 series could get AI capabilities too. It will reportedly equipped with an A18 chipset boasting a Neural Engine with significantly more cores than its predecessor. The Neural Engine is a crucial component of Apple's chipsets, dedicated to handling AI and machine learning tasks. (Unsplash)
iPhone of AI
3/5 According to 91mobile CAD renders, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to get a similar titanium frame as the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, there is an inclusion of a new Capture button and a larger Action button. It will likely get thinner bezels and more curved edges. (Pixabay)
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4/5 The vanilla iPhone 16 models could get a new camera layout this year. Leaked renders suggest a vertical camera setup, paving the way for potential new capabilities like Spatial Video recording.  (Shaurya Tomer/HT Tech)
iPhone of AI
5/5  It is also reported that the iPhone 16 Pro might get the tetraprism lens too, following the inclusion of this feature in this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple is reportedly working together with its exclusive supplier Largan to improve the yield. Apple is also looking to pioneer specially moulded lenses to compensate for the smaller size of the smartphone. This would allow Apple to fit larger lenses without compromising the small form factor of the iPhone 16 Pro. (Unsplash)
iPhone of AI
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Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI's Sam Altman seek $1 billion for revolutionary AI devices. (AFP)

 In a groundbreaking collaboration, former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are spearheading efforts to birth the "iPhone of AI." Reports suggest that the duo is on the hunt for a staggering $1 billion in funding, marking a pivotal step in their quest to redefine personal technology.

According to sources cited by The Information, the yet-to-be-named startup is courting major venture capitalists, including heavyweights like Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective. This move underscores the industry's anticipation surrounding the project, hinting at its potential to disrupt the tech landscape.

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Details regarding the nature of the AI device remain shrouded in secrecy, with insiders hinting that it won't resemble conventional smartphones. Altman, a notable backer of the screenless Humane AI pin, is speculated to be exploring similar avenues alongside Ive, adding another layer of intrigue to their collaboration.

A Visionary Interface

Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary impact of the first iPhone, Ive and Altman are said to be focused on crafting an interface that seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence into everyday life. Their vision echoes the transformative power of touchscreens, hinting at a paradigm shift in how we interact with technology.

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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has reportedly joined discussions, proposing the involvement of Arm, the chip designer under SoftBank's umbrella. Talks of a potential new company leveraging the strengths of each party have surfaced, although no concrete agreements have been reached yet.

Talent Acquisition and Conceptualisation

For Ive, whose departure from Apple in 2019 marked the end of an era, this venture signals a bold new chapter. The prospect of competing with his former employer, particularly in the realm of AI and machine learning, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.

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To fortify their ranks, Tang Tan, former design chief for iPhone and Apple Watch, has been recruited into Ive's fold. Tan's expertise in hardware design, honed during his tenure at Apple, will play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics of forthcoming products, including the enigmatic AI device.

While the project is still in its nascent stages, with an emphasis on talent acquisition and conceptualisation, murmurs of home-focused devices powered by OpenAI software have begun to surface. However, the road to market readiness is a long and arduous one, suggesting that eager consumers may need to exercise patience before the fruits of Altman and Ive's labour materialise.

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First Published Date: 07 Apr, 13:42 IST
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