Is Apple the New Nokia? Reflections on the OpenAI–Jony Ive Alliance
- Patrick Trancu
- May 23
- 2 min read
In today’s world, things are moving too fast—and nowhere is this truer than in the tech sector.
Among the many headlines that pass us by daily, one recent piece of news deserves a pause: the acquisition by OpenAI of Io, the startup founded by Sir Jony Ive—the legendary designer behind Apple’s most iconic products. This collaboration is not just another deal. It marks a potential inflection point in the evolution of consumer technology. In a stunning video we are already hearing of talk about early product prototypes that hint at a design and user experience revolution.
We live in an age where “disruption” has become the default mode of progress. Standing still is not an option.
As a lifelong Apple enthusiast—since 1987—I’ve admired how the company defined technological product standards for a generation. From operating systems to hardware, Apple shaped how we interact with digital tools. But something has changed. In recent years, Apple’s ability to innovate seems to have stalled. The Vision Pro headset hasn’t lived up to expectations, and the company now appears to be trailing in the development of smart glasses. Its approach to AI feels stuck in a pre-modern era.
Meanwhile, a new kind of threat is emerging—from Sam Altman and OpenAI. It’s not just a threat to Apple’s market share—it’s a challenge to its entire innovation model. If Apple doesn’t pivot soon, could it face the same fate as Nokia, a giant once considered unassailable?
One final thought: Why couldn’t the next San Francisco be Milan?
The convergence of design, AI, and strategic vision is not limited to Silicon Valley. As we think about the future of innovation and entrepreneurship, perhaps it’s time to look closer to home.
