The announcement (with a lovely nine-minute video that doubles as an ode to San Francisco) is light on details, but heavy on aspiration:

The io team, focused on developing products that inspire, empower and enable, will now merge with OpenAI to work more intimately with the research, engineering and product teams in San Francisco.

As io merges with OpenAI, Jony and LoveFrom will assume deep design and creative responsibilities across OpenAI and io.

It’s a $6.5 billion, all-stock deal. I can’t help but wonder if this increases the chances of Apple acquiring (or partnering more deeply with) OpenAI—or makes it less likely.

Ive:

I have a growing sense that everything I have learned over the last 30 years has led me to this moment. While I am both anxious and excited about the responsibility of the substantial work ahead, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an important collaboration. The values and vision of Sam and the teams at OpenAI and io are a rare inspiration.

Altman:

What it means to use technology can change in a profound way. I hope we can bring some of the delight, wonder and creative spirit that I first felt using an Apple Computer 30 years ago.

This merger feels momentous, like an anointing of a new generation of tech leadership by a vanguard of the previous one. I enjoy making fun of Altman, but I get the sense that Ive believes he’s found his next Steve Jobs.

Whatever device comes of this partnership will rocket to the top of my Want It! list.