OpenAI and Jony Ive Collaborate on Revolutionary AI Device to Potentially Replace Smartphones

OpenAI Plans to 'Replace Smartphones' With New AI Device

Open AI CEO Sam Altman told Nikkei Asia that the company is planning to build the device in partnership with former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive. OpenAI, the AI giant, is reportedly planning to build a new AI-focused hardware device. According to reports from Nikkei Asia, the device will "replace smartphones." Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, also revealed to the media outlet that the company is planning to build the device in partnership with former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive. Last year, it was also reported that the partnership between OpenAI and Ive had been in the works to create a device that uses generative AI to handle complex user interactions more efficiently than traditional software. A New York Times report last year revealed that the device is touted to be less socially disruptive than the iPhone. "We've been discussing ideas," said Altman in a podcast episode in May 2024, hinting at the partnership and the possibility of running LLMs on smartphones and if it is going to be affordable when that happens. However, Altman also said that a cheaper device isn't a solution. "Almost everyone's willing to pay for a phone anyway," said Altman. "Even if a cheaper device could be made, I think the barrier to carrying or using a second device is pretty high," he added. Altman has previously expressed his intent to build similar technology. A few years ago, he invested in a startup called Humane Inc., which aimed to create hardware products for the generative AI. Altman invested $30 million in Series A funding for Humane, which was founded by former Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno. That said, the Humane AI Pin and another AI-focused hardware device, the Rabbit R1, were not well received. As per reviews, both devices were affected by numerous bugs and provided a poor user experience. For example, Engadget called the Rabbit R1 "A $199 AI toy that fails at almost everything." Most big tech companies currently focus on integrating AI features on existing smartphones rather than building new devices themselves. Over the last few years, Google has focused on adding generative AI capabilities to the Pixel smartphone lineup and making a few features available locally. Similarly, OpenAI also partnered with Apple to integrate ChatGPT with the iPhone, using Apple Intelligence. In other news, OpenAI announced the release of OpenAI o3-mini, a new AI model built to deliver cost-effective reasoning with improved efficiency and STEM capabilities. The model is available in ChatGPT and the API and replaces OpenAI o1-mini in the model selection.

Sam Altman and Jony Ive's future AI device could involve a lot less typing into ChatGPT

Altman also said OpenAI was developing its own silicon for AI devices. It emerged last year that OpenAI was working with Apple design legend Jony Ive on AI-powered hardware that might not look like a phone. Now, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman has shed more light on this hardware. Altman confirmed the existence of this AI device in an interview with Korean outlet The Elec, adding that OpenAI "would like to start developing it through partnerships with multiple companies." "AI will require a fundamental change in the way we interact with computers," the executive explained in the same interview. He added that "voice will become the user interface medium." In other words, it sounds like voice commands will be a key drawcard for this new AI device. We've also recently seen smart glasses become a trend again. In fact, we saw loads of new smart glasses at CES 2025 that were powered by ChatGPT. However, the most successful product in this regard is the Ray-Ban Meta line. These glasses use Meta's own AI models and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that it sold over one million units. Then again, there's been no shortage of AI gadgets in various form factors. We've seen wireless earbuds, pendants, necklaces, and more. So it's entirely possible that this OpenAI device takes a different form, altogether. These latest details also come as Altman told Nikkei Asia that he hoped OpenAI could work with Jony Ive on the AI device. However, Ive himself revealed in a New York Times profile last year that he was already working with the AI company on new hardware. The Apple legend's admission followed initial rumors in April that the duo were working on an AI device that didn't look like a phone.

OpenAI is steps closer to designing the iPhone of AI with Jony Ive

OpenAI may be looking to pivot into the hardware space and may be looking to collaborate with the best in the business to make that shift. While no solid intentions are in place, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently spoke with Nikkei Asia, stating he would like to have his company work together with the former Apple Design Chief, Jony Ive, known for making some of the industry's favorite hardware looks. Recommended Videos "We hope to do it in partnership with Jony Ive," Altman said. Altman added that together, OpenAI and Jony Ive could bring forth next-gen AI hardware that could usher in the largest tech disruption since the introduction of the original iPhone in 2007. While the CEO didn't have further details to share about the company's plans to develop hardware, reports indicate that the brand "OpenAI" surfaced at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in a listing associating the brand with headphones, goggles, glasses, remotes, laptop and phone cases, smartwatches, smart jewelry virtual and augmented reality headsets "for AI-assisted interaction, simulation, and training," according to Techcrunch. The Information reported that the company is also building out a robotics team, reportedly with the aim of testing humanoid robots. Its team lead, Caitlin Kalinowski left Meta's AR glasses division to join OpenAI last November. BGR also noted that SoftBank's recent investment in OpenAI can be compared to how SoftBank chief, Masayoshi Son asked for Japan exclusivity of the iPhone when it first launched. Speculations of OpenAI developing an AI-focused smartphone alongside Jony Ive have persisted since 2023, with details indicating the device might be like an iPhone with a voice-activated AI, providing a "more natural and intuitive experience," according to Windows Central. Ive confirmed to the New York Times last year that he was working with OpenAI on a project that could compete with Apple and Samsung in the mobile industry. The tech designer stated that the project was already attracting investors ready to offer upwards of $1 billion. He described the device as something that would "use AI to create a computing experience that is less socially disruptive than the iPhone." BGR also noted prior rumors that indicated Altman and Ive met with the SoftBank chief last year. With OpenAI and SoftBank having now signed an investment deal, more pieces could be coming together.

Sam Altman is making an AI-powered device to replace smartphones

This new technology aims to prioritise voice commands and intuitive interfaces. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman just shared some ambitious plans that he is working on. He said that he, along with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, is working on a groundbreaking AI-powered hardware device that could potentially replace traditional smartphones. He shared this during an exclusive interview with Nikkei Asia. The device is expected to leverage generative AI and then overpower traditional smartphones. Speaking more about the generative AI capabilities of this upcoming AI-powered hardware device can simplify complex interactions and outperform current smartphone software by leveraging generative AI. Unlike conventional smartphones that rely on touchscreens and manual inputs, this new technology aims to prioritise voice commands and intuitive interfaces. This can potentially make human-device interaction more seamless and natural. This project has been under development for over a year now and has even secured substantial funding and is backed by prominent investors. This event aligns with OpenAI's broader mission of integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life. With Ive's expertise, we can expect a design that is both functional and aesthetically advanced. If reports are to be believed, this new device will move away from traditional smartphone form factors, potentially eliminating the need for screens altogether. Instead, it could introduce an entirely new way of interacting with digital information. Apart from this, Altman didn't share too much but he hinted that the project is still in its early stages and could take several years before a functional prototype is ready. However, if successful, this collaboration could initiate a new era of AI-driven personal technology. Let's just wait and see what this device is and how it will translate in real life. Until then, stay tuned to Digit and we will keep you posted.