OpenAI has completed its first prototypes for AI hardware devices, CEO Sam Altman said during a discussion hosted by Emerson Collective. Altman described the devices as “jaw dropping” in quality and emphasized a focus on a calm, unobtrusive user experience compared with typical smartphones.
The hardware project is led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, whose startup io was acquired by OpenAI in May for $6.4 billion in equity. Ive indicated the devices may be revealed within two years, noting the unpredictability inherent in hardware development.
Altman said the devices aim to assist users over long periods, filtering notifications and prioritizing relevant information, while leveraging a deep understanding of user interactions and history. The announcement follows a broader trend of AI-oriented hardware from companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, none of which has yet produced a breakout product.
OpenAI also recently partnered with Foxconn to build AI infrastructure, though the agreement does not cover device manufacturing. Industry observers are closely watching OpenAI’s hardware efforts, which could challenge existing tech leaders such as Apple.
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