OpenAI is reportedly expanding its ambitions beyond software, exploring a range of AI-powered devices in collaboration with former Apple design guru Jony Ive. The company is said to be considering a smart speaker (lacking a screen), smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and even a wearable AI pin, according to a report from The Information.
To bring these devices to life, OpenAI has reportedly secured a contract with Luxshare and reached out to Goertek, both prominent Apple suppliers, for component sourcing. The tentative launch window for these first-generation devices is slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
This hardware push echoes earlier remarks from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has spoken of creating a broader “family of devices” resulting from the partnership with Ive. The potential inclusion of an AI pin is particularly noteworthy, given past reports suggesting Ive initially dismissed the concept. While previous speculation mentioned in-ear devices, they were absent from this recent leak.
Adding intrigue to the situation, reports suggest internal anxieties within Apple regarding employees potentially joining OpenAI. This concern reportedly led to the cancellation of a meeting in China last month, according to The Information. OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, Tang Tan, also a former Apple employee, is allegedly actively recruiting from Apple, touting a less bureaucratic and more collaborative work environment. (Source: The Verge)