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Four months after OpenAI acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s io startup and teased an AI hardware device, the company has reportedly signed a deal with key Apple device assembler Luxshare to make a consumer device.
The current set of prototypes includes a screen-free smart speaker, glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable “pin.” OpenAI is targeting the release of the first device in late 2026 to 2027. The Information originally reported the news; OpenAI has not yet commented on it.
The company is reportedly in touch with Goertek, another Chinese manufacturer, which helps assemble AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watches, to supply components like speaker modules for the planned devices.
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In addition, OpenAI has reportedly hired two dozen of Apple’s former consumer hardware employees to assist with the devices. These new hires join former Apple execs who joined the company after it spent $6.5 billion to acquire io Products in May, which brought about 55 new staff to the company.
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Ive, who founded io Products, was Apple’s senior vice president of industrial design and chief design officer until he left the company in 2019.
AI devices have had a rocky rollout so far. The Rabbit R1 was widely panned, while the AI Pin from Humane (also made up of former Apple employees) flopped; its tech was acquired by HP in February. The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI’s device may be pocket-sized, contextually aware, and screen-free, though eyewear is apparently not on the table.
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I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.
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