OpenAI Acquires Smartphone Camera Startup Glass Imaging for $300M

OpenAI has acquired smartphone camera startup Glass Imaging in a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million, adding AI imaging expertise as the company expands its hardware ambitions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Glass Imaging was founded in 2019 and had previously raised about $30 million from investors. OpenAI did not immediately comment on the acquisition.

Former Apple engineers Ziv Attar and Tom Bishop founded Glass Imaging, which developed Apple’s Portrait Mode camera feature. The company develops AI technology that improves smartphone photography by understanding camera hardware and enhancing images at the point of capture.

OpenAI adds camera expertise

Unlike traditional editing tools that modify photos after they are taken, Glass Imaging uses neural networks trained for specific camera systems to improve image quality during capture.

The startup previously raised funding, including a $9.3 million extended seed round led by GV.

The acquisition comes as OpenAI explores consumer hardware. The company has reportedly considered devices including smartphones, earbuds and AI companion products, while also working with former Apple designer Jony Ive through the io hardware project.

Glass Imaging gives OpenAI additional expertise in smartphone camera technology, a key component of modern consumer devices.