Home / Technology / Apple Exec Jumps to OpenAI for New Hardware Unit
Apple Exec Jumps to OpenAI for New Hardware Unit
27 Jun
Summary
- Apple VP Paul Meade to lead OpenAI's new hardware division.
- Meade previously headed Apple's Vision Pro headset development.
- OpenAI is developing AI devices with Jony Ive's startup.
Paul Meade, who led Apple's Vision Products Group, is expected to join OpenAI next week. He will spearhead OpenAI's newly formed hardware division, a significant development for the AI company. Meade's expertise includes seven years leading hardware engineering for the Vision Pro headset and spearheading smart glasses projects.
OpenAI has been collaborating with Jony Ive's startup on AI-powered devices since 2025, with Ive's io merging with OpenAI in a $6.5 billion deal. The establishment of an internal hardware unit raises questions about its synergy with Ive's ongoing projects, which reportedly include a smart speaker due in 2027.
Meade's departure from Apple follows reports of John Ternus' impending appointment as CEO, succeeding Tim Cook on September 1. Fletcher Rothkopf is set to assume many of Meade's previous responsibilities at Apple.
