OpenAI Developing New AI-Powered Hardware with Jony Ive
OpenAI is developing a “family of devices” in partnership with ex-Apple designer Jony Ive, aiming to create a new computing experience beyond traditional phones and laptops, the company announced yesterday at its developer conference in San Francisco.
CEO Sam Altman and Ive spoke about the project, emphasizing the challenges of hardware development but expressing optimism about the potential for innovation. “Hardware is hard. Figuring out new computing form factors is hard,” Altman said in a media briefing. The devices are envisioned to be more than just productivity tools; Ive hopes they will “make us happy, and fulfilled, and more peaceful, and less anxious, and less disconnected.” This move signals a potential shift in how people interact with technology, moving beyond task completion towards emotional wellbeing.
The team has reportedly explored numerous concepts, generating “15 to 20 really compelling product” ideas, according to Ive. While specific details remain scarce, early reports suggest the hardware may be screenless, relying on camera and microphone inputs to understand a user’s environment. OpenAI’s work in AI safety is likely to be a key consideration in the design and functionality of these new devices. The Financial Times has reported a potential launch target of late 2026, though development has faced technical hurdles.
Altman stated, “As great as phones and computers are, there’s something new to do,” suggesting a fundamental rethinking of the relationship between humans and technology. OpenAI officials indicated that further updates will be provided as the project progresses and more concrete details become available.
At OpenAI’s developer conference in San Francisco on Monday, CEO Sam Altman and ex-Apple designer Jony Ive spoke in vague terms about the “family of devices” the pair are currently working to develop.
“As great as phones and computers are, there’s something new to do,” Altman said on stage with Ive. The duo confirmed that OpenAI is working on more than one hardware product but finer details, ranging from use cases to specifications, remain under wraps.
“Hardware is hard. Figuring out new computing form factors is hard,” said Altman in a media briefing earlier in the day. “I think we have a chance to do something amazing, but it will take a while.”
Ive said that his team has generated “15 to 20 really compelling product” ideas on the journey to find the right kind of hardware to focus the company’s efforts on.
“I don’t think we have an easy relationship with our technology at the moment,” said Ive. “Rather than seeing AI as an extension of those challenges, I see it very differently.” Ive explained that one reason he wanted to design an AI-powered device with OpenAI is to transform the relationship people currently have to the devices they use every day.
While Ive acknowledged the potential for AI to boost productivity, efficiency doesn’t appear to be his core goal with these devices. Rather, he hopes for them to bring more social good into the world. The devices should “make us happy, and fulfilled, and more peaceful, and less anxious, and less disconnected,” he said.
Earlier reporting indicated that OpenAI is planning to manufacture a new category of hardware that doesn’t resemble a phone or laptop. In a recent preview for OpenAI staff, Altman hinted that the product would be aware of a user’s surroundings and day-to-day experiences, according to The Wall Street Journal. The device might be screenless and rely on inputs from cameras and microphones.
OpenAI also hasn’t said publicly when it plans to launch the devices, though late 2026 may reportedly be the target launch, according to the Financial Times. The publication recently reported that development of the device has been stymied by technical issues.
