Tan Tang, who currently serves as Apple’s vice president of iPhone and watch product design, is reportedly set to join a high-profile AI hardware project led by Jony Ive, Apple’s legendary designer, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, as revealed by a Bloomberg report. The project, which is still in its early stages, aims to develop cutting-edge AI devices. Initially, reports suggested that Ive and Altman were working on an “iPhone of AI,” but Altman contested this notion, clarifying that it’s not intended to be an AI equivalent of the iPhone.
Tang’s transition to Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, signifies a potentially significant shift in the tech industry. His expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the appearance and capabilities of the upcoming products. This collaboration is seen as one of the most ambitious endeavors by Ive since his departure from Apple in 2019.
According to the Bloomberg report, Altman, a prominent figure in modern AI, will provide the software foundation for the project. Despite facing some controversy over fundraising efforts, Altman has been actively seeking potential investors, including SoftBank Group chairman Masayoshi Son, for a multibillion-dollar investment in the new company.
The move comes amid a notable talent drain at Apple, with around 14 members of Ive’s former team having departed since 2019. LoveFrom has successfully attracted a roster of high-profile clients and has welcomed more than 20 former Apple employees to its team. The project is said to be currently exploring concepts for home devices.
In October, Altman denied rumors about collaborating with Jony Ive on the development of an ‘iPhone of AI’ device. Speaking at a tech conference hosted by The Wall Street Journal, Altman mentioned that while there could be a great project in the future, the specifics were yet to be determined.
Altman clarified that he has no intention of competing with smartphones, which he considers to be remarkable devices. He emphasized that OpenAI is just beginning to explore the potential of creating consumer hardware. Altman stated, “I think there is something great to do, but I don’t know what it is yet. I have no interest in trying to compete with the smartphone. It’s phenomenal at what it does.”
The collaboration between Tang, Ive, and Altman signals a convergence of design and AI expertise, raising expectations for innovative and groundbreaking AI-driven hardware products. As the project advances, the industry will be closely watching for developments and insights into the nature of the cutting-edge devices that this collaborative effort aims to bring to market.
