Jony Ive’s New AI Device Gains Laurene Powell Jobs’ Support, Aiming to Address Tech’s Unintended Harms

Jony Ive’s AI Device Wins Laurene Powell Jobs’ Approval In a revealing interview with The Financial Times, former Apple design chief Jony Ive and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs discussed their collaboration on a mysterious AI gadget being developed by OpenAI. The project, which has been quietly underway, has reinvigorated Ive’s commitment to innovation and responsibility in the tech industry. “Many of us have an uneasy relationship with technology today,” Ive commented. This sentiment underscores his motivation for working on the new AI device alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Ive emphasized that humanity “deserves better,” reflecting on the unintended negative consequences of past technological advancements, particularly the iPhone, such as screen addiction and social media overuse. During the interview, Ive also acknowledged the complexities of innovation. “When you create something new, there are inevitable consequences—some positive and others not so much. Even though the negative outcomes were unintended, I feel a strong sense of responsibility,” he said. This renewed sense of purpose has fueled his determination to develop technology that is both useful and ethically sound. Laurene Powell Jobs, who has maintained a close friendship with Ive since the passing of her late husband, Steve Jobs, in 2011, shares these concerns. “There are dark uses for certain types of technology, even if they weren’t designed to have those results,” she noted. Powell Jobs has supported Ive’s ventures through her investments in his LoveFrom design studio and io hardware startup. According to Ive, LoveFrom “wouldn’t exist” without her involvement. Powell Jobs’ investment will be particularly significant if the upcoming AI gadget matches or exceeds the success of the iPhone. OpenAI is acquiring Ive’s io company for nearly $6.5 billion, and her stake in the venture could yield substantial returns. Despite the secrecy surrounding the device, Powell Jobs expressed great confidence in its potential. “I’ve watched the development process in real time—from initial thoughts to sketches, to prototypes, and each iteration surpassing the last. It’s truly a wondrous thing to see these ideas come to life.” The interview highlights the duo’s shared belief in the transformative power of technology, tempered by a deep awareness of the ethical considerations that accompany such innovations. Both Ive and Powell Jobs are committed to using their experience and resources to steer the tech industry toward more responsible and beneficial outcomes.