OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has confirmed a collaboration with ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive to create a new AI-driven hardware device. This confirmation came through a New York Times profile of Ive, revealing that he and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have teamed up to form a new “artificial intelligence device company.”
While the partnership is official, the specifics of what the device will be remain undisclosed, though the project is being carried out in secrecy.
According to the article, the goal of the device is to create a computing experience that’s “less socially disruptive than the iPhone.” This implies that the AI device may focus on minimizing the negative social impacts that have accompanied the rise of smartphones.
However, no clear details about the device’s exact form or function have been confirmed yet. It remains in development, and even its release date is still under consideration.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman
The report mentions that the new AI hardware venture has secured office space and private funding, signaling that development is well underway. Notably, part of the design team includes former collaborators of Ive from his time at Apple, where he contributed to iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. This suggests the device may inherit a sleek, minimalist design ethos reminiscent of Apple’s product line.
Several other AI-powered devices have already appeared in the market but with mixed success. For example, the Rabbit R1, which aimed to function as an AI assistant integrated with mobile apps, failed to deliver on its promises.
In a review, it was described as an “adorable but half-baked idea.” Similarly, the Humane AI Pin, which also sought to replace smartphones with AI-driven functionality, has encountered problems like poor battery life and overheating.
These existing devices highlight the challenge that OpenAI and Ive face: creating a form factor that successfully integrates generative AI without the pitfalls seen in previous products. While OpenAI has already proven its strength in developing AI assistants, the key challenge now lies in determining the best physical design to complement its powerful software.
