In September 2023, there was said to be a collaboration between OpenAI CEO Samuel Altman and Apple’s former chief design officer Jony Ive. This may be aided by over $1 billion in funding from SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. And what’s the goal? To create what’s dubbed the “iPhone Of AI”. This envisions a consumer device that goes beyond the conventions of current AI interactions. It is said that this could offer users a more natural and intuitive experience.
So, why could OpenAI be going the smartphone route? Could this be due to the shifting dynamics of consumer demand? According to some reports, there’s said to be a decline in smartphone sales in North America, with iPhone sales falling by close to 25% year-over-year.
September 2023, there was an Arm IPO, which raised about $5 billion. It is said to have replenished SoftBank’s cash reserves. It’s estimated that SoftBank’s war chest has about $65 billion with Arm’s IPO. And it’s said to be looking to make a big splash in the field of AI. In September 2023, it was reported that SoftBank is said to be considering various options, including a potential investment in OpenAI.
