Jony Ive is again in the limelight as details leak about ‘screen-free’ OpenAI device

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and a former Apple designer, Jony Ive, revealed details about a pocket-sized device in an internal staff call. The leaked call revealed the new mysterious device would be a pocket-sized gadget. OpenAI recently claimed that the new ‘screen-free’ device would be a hit in the market. 

A leaked internal staff call that WSJ reviewed revealed that OpenAI has been creating a screen-free device for its consumers. The details revealed that the mysterious device would be pocket-sized. OpenAI predicted that the new device would be popular after its official release.

Sam Altman says the device won’t be a phone or a pair of glasses

My industry research indicates the following regarding the new AI hardware device from Jony Ive’s collaboration with OpenAI:
1. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.
2. Assembly and shipping will occur outside China to reduce geopolitical risks, with Vietnam currently the… pic.twitter.com/5IELYEjNyV

— 郭明錤｜Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) May 22, 2025

According to the leaked details, the device under development by OpenAI and Jony Ive would be screen-free. The mysterious device would not be a pair of glasses or a mobile phone. The CEO stated that Ive was not interested in making a device that users would need to wear on the body. OpenAI is reportedly aiming to launch the device by late 2026.

Last September, Ive confirmed he was working on a new product with OpenAI. Reportedly, details about the project have been kept under wraps to prevent competitors from copying the product before its official release to the public. 

Altman said the new device would be fully aware of the surroundings and the life of the user. The CEO added that the device would also serve as a third-core gadget. Sam Altman hinted that the mysterious device would be put on a desk after an iPhone and a MacBook Pro. 

OpenAI predicted that the ‘screen-free’ device would ship faster than any other product ever did. The AI firm said it targeted creating over 100 million new device units. Altman and Ive revealed that they wanted to wean their customers away from screens. Ive said in a recent interview that his next device would be driven by owning the ‘unanticipated consequences’ linked with the iPhone. 

The OpenAI CEO said they had the opportunity to achieve the biggest thing the firm has ever done. Jony Ive referred to the ‘screen-free’ project as a ‘new design movement’ while citing his achievements during his time at Apple, where he worked with the late Steve Jobs. 

In a post, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, revealed that the mysterious device could be slightly bigger than the AI pin developed by Humane. Kuo said the device could be as compact and elegant as an iPod Shuffle. The Apple analyst added that the device would be worn around the user’s neck. 

Kuo revealed the device would have built-in cameras. The analyst added that the ‘screen-free’ device would also have microphones to help detect the surroundings. Kuo said that the device would be able to connect with PCs and smartphones so it could use its computing and display functionalities.

OpenAI CEO confirms his collaboration with Jony Ive

The venture was allegedly funded by the former Apple designer alongside the Emerson Collective, Laurene Powell Jobs’ firm. OpenAI acquired io, a hardware firm founded by a former Apple designer, Jony Ive, and other former Apple engineers, including Evans Hankey, Scott Cannon, and Tang Tan. The former Apple designer will not join OpenAI, as it will continue to be an independent firm. 

“Thrilled to be partnering with Jony, imo the greatest designer in the world. Excited to try to create a new generation of AI-powered computers.”

–Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO

According to OpenAI, hardware engineers and manufacturing experts would be joining OpenAI as part of the acquisition deal. Software developers from io will also be joining OpenAI. The io team will be working closely with research and product teams based in San Francisco.