A few months ago, OpenAI acquired io Products, the AI hardware startup led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, and was reportedly working on several AI-powered gadgets.
Now, a new report by The Information, citing people “with direct knowledge of the matter”, claims that the ChatGPT developer is considering making a device that “resembles a smart speaker without a display”. It goes on to say that OpenAI has already secured contracts with Luxshare and Goertek – two Apple suppliers who make parts for iPhone, AirPods, HomePods and Apple Watches for its speakers.
As it turns out, OpenAI and io Products may also be working on smartglasses, a digital voice recorder and a wearable Humane-like “pin”. The publication also claims that these devices will launch sometime in late 2026 or early 2027 and will have OpenAI branding.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously said that one of the devices would be a pocket-sized, contextually aware screenless device, but the report now hints at other form factors like eyewear. However, as previous rumours suggested, it looks like there won’t be any in-ear devices. The Information also says that OpenAI has started using Apple’s supply chain in China to make these devices and that the Cupertino-based tech giant cancelled a meeting with its suppliers in China to prevent OpenAI from poaching talent from Apple.
In the last few months, Apple employees who were part of the company’s AI division have jumped ship to OpenAI ever since the Sam Altman-led company announced its partnership with the original iPhone’s designer ,Jony Ive. Tang Tan, Apple’s former design head, left the tech giant to become OpenAI’s chief hardware officer.
However, OpenAI is yet to show a prototype of any of their devices and hasn’t said anything about form factor and price either, but if true, this might mean that we can see OpenAI taking inspiration from Apple for its debut products.
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