OpenAI’s First AI Device: A Groundbreaking Innovation Set for 2026

OpenAI’s much-anticipated collaboration with the visionary designer Jony Ive is still unfolding, as recent court documents unveil intriguing new details.

This innovative device, which marks OpenAI’s first foray into the realm of physical products, is not expected to arrive on the market until 2026, and it certainly won’t be a wearable gadget. According to filings revealed during an ongoing legal dispute with the Google-backed startup iYO, OpenAI’s upcoming creation will neither be an in-ear device nor a wearable product.

This clarifies early speculations suggesting a design akin to smart glasses or the Humane AI Pin, putting those rumors to rest. Tang Tan, OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple executive, confidently stated in court, “It is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”

Instead, this enigmatic device is envisioned to be compact, perfectly sized to fit in your pocket or elegantly stationed on your desk. Tan also highlighted that the design remains fluid, with a launch at least a year away, hinting that it may resemble a sophisticated smart home assistant or a versatile portable desktop gadget.

Interest has surged around this project since OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s company, IO Products, for a staggering $6.5 billion in May 2025. CEO Sam Altman has reportedly inspired his team, describing the device as potentially the most important product in OpenAI’s history, with an audacious goal of selling 100 million units. 

While any plans for a wearable have been firmly denied, internal discussions earlier hinted at exploring ergonomic innovations like ear scanning, similar to iyO’s approach to custom earpieces. 

However, Tang Tan ultimately chose not to pursue iyO’s proposals for investment, collaboration, or acquisition for up to $200 million. In a legal declaration, Evans Hankey, another ex-Apple executive leading design at OpenAI, reiterated with conviction that “io has no current plans to offer a custom-moulded earpiece product.”

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also chimed in, speculating that this mysterious device could take inspiration from the sleek design of the iPod Shuffle, potentially even smaller than the Humane AI Pin. 

Kuo believes it will forego a traditional screen, instead utilizing built-in cameras and microphones to engage with its surroundings. He envisions a seamless pairing with smartphones and computers for processing and display, rather than functioning independently. 

Additionally, he noted that manufacturing will take place in Vietnam, likely as a strategic move to navigate geopolitical complexities linked to China. Investor Laurene Powell Jobs, an ardent supporter of Jony Ive’s ventures, has reportedly had an exclusive sneak peek at a prototype, describing it as “a wondrous thing to behold.” 

Ive himself has expressed that the device has “reignited his optimism about technology,” passionately proclaiming, “humanity deserves better” than a world dominated by screen-heavy devices. OpenAI previously shared promotional materials about the partnership and acquisition, but these were quietly retracted following a trademark dispute initiated by iyO. 

A spokesperson for Jony Ive has dismissed this legal challenge as “utterly baseless,” confirming their intention to robustly contest it in court.