In a recent announcement, OpenAI and renowned designer Jony Ive have unveiled plans for a groundbreaking AI hardware device, shrouded in mystery and anticipation. The collaboration between OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and Ive, the former chief designer at Apple, has sparked widespread speculation about the nature of this innovative product.
The partnership was solidified with OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive’s design firm, io, in a deal valued at approximately $6.5 billion. This strategic move aims to integrate advanced AI capabilities into consumer hardware, marking OpenAI’s significant foray into the physical device market. Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, will maintain its independence while leading design efforts across OpenAI’s projects. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/52c72786e54f0ead8b04d037c30d6754?utm_source=openai))
Despite the excitement, specific details about the device remain scarce. Altman and Ive have emphasized that the product will not be a smartphone, smart glasses, or any existing form factor. Instead, they hint at a completely new category of device designed to seamlessly integrate AI into daily life. Altman described the prototype as the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen, suggesting a revolutionary approach to human-computer interaction.
The development of this device is still in its early stages, with the first products expected to be unveiled in 2026. The project has attracted a team of former Apple designers, including Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, who bring extensive experience in creating iconic consumer products. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/52c72786e54f0ead8b04d037c30d6754?utm_source=openai))
This initiative positions OpenAI as a direct competitor to tech giants like Apple and Google in the AI hardware space. By creating a dedicated device platform, OpenAI aims to reduce reliance on existing operating systems and offer a more integrated AI experience. The move has already impacted the market, with Apple’s stock declining over 2% following the announcement, reflecting concerns over increased competition in the AI device sector. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-acquire-jony-ives-hardware-startup-io-products-2025-05-21/?utm_source=openai))
While the exact nature of the device remains a closely guarded secret, the collaboration between Altman and Ive suggests a product that could redefine our interaction with technology. As the project progresses, the tech community eagerly awaits further details about this mysterious and potentially transformative AI device.
