In a ground breaking collaboration that has sent ripples through the tech world, Open AI CEO Sam Altman and the legendary former Apple design chief Jony Ive have teamed up to create a new type of AI-powered device.1 Their venture, operating under the merged entity of Altman’s OpenAI and Ive’s “io,” aims to redefine our relationship with technology, potentially moving us away from the screen-dominated era of smartphones.
While specifics about the device remain largely under wraps, the ambition and the pedigree of the minds behind it suggest a significant shift in personal technology. Here’s what we currently know:
A Departure from the Smartphone
The overarching goal appears to be the creation of a device that offers a more intuitive and less screen-dependent interaction with AI. Both Altman and Ive have expressed a desire to build tools that foster a deeper, more human connection with technology.2 Ive has hinted at a move away from the current reliance on screens, suggesting the device might prioritize voice, context-aware AI, and possibly subtle projected displays or haptic feedback.3
The “Third Core Device”
Altman has reportedly referred to this new device as the “third core device,” positioning it alongside the smartphone and the computer.4 This suggests it will not be a direct replacement for either but rather a new category of personal technology with its own unique utility.
Form Factor and Design
Early speculation, partly based on visualizations generated by ChatGPT, suggests a departure from traditional consumer electronics. Concepts include small, screenless, pebble-like objects with soft, matte textures and rounded contours. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested a form factor “as compact and elegant as an iPod Shuffle,” potentially worn around the neck, though other reports indicate Ive is not keen on a wearable design.5 The focus seems to be on an unobtrusive device that can sit on a desk or fit in a pocket.6
Functionality: An AI Companion
The device is envisioned as being deeply integrated with OpenAI’s powerful AI models, capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life. It aims to understand user intent proactively, acting more like an ever-present collaborator than a tool requiring constant commands. Altman has even spoken of a future where subscribing to ChatGPT could mean receiving such devices.
The Merger: io and OpenAI
OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup “io” for a substantial $6.5 billion underscores the seriousness of this endeavor.7 Ive and his design firm LoveFrom will take on design and creative responsibilities across all of OpenAI. This merger brings together leading expertise in AI and product design, a potent combination for creating innovative hardware.8
Timeline and Ambitions
While an official launch date is yet to be announced, Altman reportedly aims for a release by late 2026, with mass production potentially starting in 2027. He has also expressed an ambitious goal of shipping 100 million units, believing this new device category could significantly increase OpenAI’s valuation.9
Challenges and the Path Ahead
Creating a successful screenless AI device is not without its challenges. Previous attempts, like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1, have faced difficulties.10 The success of Altman and Ive’s project will likely depend on seamlessly integrating powerful AI capabilities into a user-friendly and compelling form factor.
A Glimpse into the Future
The collaboration between Sam Altman and Jony Ive represents a bold step towards exploring new paradigms in personal technology.11 Their AI device could potentially mark a significant shift in how we interact with the digital world, moving towards a more ambient and intuitive experience powered by artificial intelligence. The industry watches with anticipation to see what this formidable duo will unveil and whether it will indeed usher in a “post-smartphone” era.
