The name Jonathan Ive is well-known in the tech world, and as the designer of the iPhone, his contributions to Apple are undeniable. Recently, Forbes reported that Ive's net worth is expected to exceed one billion dollars due to the acquisition of his AI hardware company, io, by OpenAI, allowing him to join the ranks of billionaires.
Last week, OpenAI announced the acquisition of Ive’s company, io, through a stock-for-stock transaction valued at $6.5 billion. As a major shareholder in the company, Ive holds approximately 11% of its shares, meaning he will receive OpenAI stocks worth $715 million. However, it should be noted that the ownership of these stocks will take several years to fully vest, and the deal still requires regulatory approval.
Image source note: Image generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney.
Before founding io, Ive worked at Apple for nearly three decades, responsible for the design of multiple iconic products. His work not only earned Apple numerous accolades but also allowed him to accumulate considerable wealth. In addition to his equity in io, Ive owns approximately $100 million in real estate assets and a design company called LoveFrom, with an annual income of around $200 million. Clearly, Ive's business acumen matches his design talent.
Despite the increase in Ive's wealth, the details of his income have always been a mystery. His salary during his time at Apple has never been publicly disclosed, though some information briefly appeared in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, showing he received approximately $75 million in post-tax income from stock exercises. Although Ive may already be a billionaire, his exact financial situation remains difficult to determine.
To date, Ive has made no comments on this deal, but he will undoubtedly become another legendary figure in the tech world. His success is not only a personal achievement but also further proves the infinite possibilities of combining design with technology.
