OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT, is in advanced talks with former Apple designer Jony Ive and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son to build an “AI iPhone,” backed by more than $1 billion in funding from the Japanese group, the Japanese newspaper reported.

The report said that Sam Altman, president of OpenAI, contracted with Jony Ive’s company LoveFrom to develop the first consumer device for the ChatGPT creator.

Discussions have been “serious” but no deal has been agreed upon, and it may take several months before the project is officially announced, the report said, adding that Son, Altman and Ive discussed creating a company that draws on talent and technology from their three groups.

Technology website The Information reported on Tuesday that Ive and Altman were discussing building a new AI device and that Son was also involved in some aspects of the conversation.

In the field of creativity, Ive collaborated closely with Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. He spent more than two decades at the technology giant, designing the iMac and the iPhone.

SoftBank is looking for deals in artificial intelligence, including a potential investment in OpenAI, after the blockbuster listing of its Arm unit, the Financial Times reported earlier this month, adding that Son was… It is looking to invest tens of billions of dollars in technology.