In the race to define the future of artificial intelligence hardware, OpenAI is making bold moves—and they’ve brought legendary iPhone designer Jony Ive along for the ride. The goal? To create a groundbreaking new device built specifically for generative AI—a tool so seamless it will make interacting with artificial intelligence feel as natural as talking to a friend.
While AI features are increasingly being built into existing hardware—think smart glasses, smart speakers, and next-gen smartphones—many believe these legacy devices are no longer enough for the AI-driven era we’re entering.
“The products that we’re using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology are decades old,” said Jony Ive, former Apple Chief Design Officer. “It’s just common sense to at least consider that there must be something beyond these legacy products.”
Though no specifications have been released, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman fueled excitement by calling a prototype shown to him by Ive “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.”
A Device Like No Other
According to several U.S. media reports, the upcoming AI device will not feature a screen and won’t be worn like a typical smartwatch or accessory. It’s expected to be a form factor unlike anything we’ve seen before—one designed to bring AI into people’s lives in a completely new way.
Kyle Li, professor at The New School, noted that since AI isn’t yet fully integrated into everyday life, there’s a significant opportunity for innovation in this space. He emphasized that the form of the device isn’t as crucial as the design philosophy behind it: prioritizing “pro-human” decision-making in the software.
Rob Howard, of the consulting firm Innovating with AI, echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of ethical, human-centered software development over flashy hardware.
Learning from Past Failures
The ambition is bold—but so are the risks. The tech world hasn’t forgotten the short-lived AI Pin, a square badge-like device that launched in 2024 with great buzz but failed to attract buyers. Priced at $699 and marketed by the startup Humane, it disappeared from shelves within a year.
Still, big names like Meta and OpenAI are placing what CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood calls “big bets” on AI-first hardware. Google, for instance, is developing mixed-reality glasses powered by AI, while Amazon continues to evolve Alexa’s capabilities in its Echo line.
And while Apple is famously cautious, the company has begun integrating generative AI into iPhones at a measured pace. Its plans to enhance Siri using generative models have reportedly been delayed indefinitely.
Olivier Blanchard, research director at Futurum, believes Apple missed an opportunity. “This is something Apple should have jumped on a long time ago,” he noted.
Rethinking the Interface
Blanchard envisions a central AI hub—a standalone device that would allow people to interact with artificial intelligence via voice, without relying on a constant cloud connection. He warns that cloud-based AI creates challenges in cost, privacy, and energy use.
“You can’t push it all out in the cloud,” Blanchard said. “We need to find local solutions because there is not enough energy in the world to do this.”
With consumers often overwhelmed by the number of gadgets they’re expected to wear or carry, there’s likely to be stiff competition over which device becomes the essential personal AI interface.
Still, OpenAI appears well-positioned to lead the charge. Backed by major funding and extraordinary talent, they’re poised to deliver a solution that could change how people connect with digital intelligence.
Julien Codorniou, partner at venture capital firm 20VC and former Facebook exec, believes OpenAI could make it happen—even if a dedicated AI device isn’t the obvious path.
Further fueling this momentum, OpenAI recently brought on Fidji Simo, a former Facebook and Instacart executive, as head of applications. Her role? To help solve the hardware puzzle that will bring AI into everyday life.
The Voice-Controlled Future
Many industry insiders predict that voice will become the dominant way we interact with AI. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai has long championed the idea of “ambient computing,” where technology fades into the background and waits silently until needed.
“There’s no longer any reason to type or touch if you can speak instead,” said Blanchard. He added, “Generative AI wants to be increasingly human,” which is why verbal conversations with AI just feel right.
That said, existing devices—especially smartphones—won’t be easily replaced. As analyst Ben Wood points out, these devices are too deeply embedded in our routines and habits to be cast aside anytime soon.
By Radoslav Jokic
Updated on 15th June 2025