🤖 What’s the News?
OpenAI has been working with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom on its first-ever hardware device—but it won’t be an in-ear wearable, as many speculated.
This follows months of rumors that OpenAI was designing something similar to the Humane AI Pin or Rabbit R1—AI devices meant to replace the smartphone. However, court documents from a trademark dispute suggest the product’s concept has changed direction.
📦 So What Is It?
While the exact form factor remains under wraps, sources say:
- The device may include a screen.
- It’s not something you wear (like earbuds or glasses).
- It will likely rely on GPT-powered interfaces, aiming to redefine how people interact with AI daily.
⚖️ Trademark Battle:
- A startup named Iyo (pronounced “eye-oh”) is suing over a trademark conflict with OpenAI and LoveFrom.
- Iyo claims OpenAI’s device was initially called “IYO”, possibly indicating it started as a headphone project.
- Due to legal pressure, OpenAI and Ive’s team changed the product name and may have shifted the entire concept.
🛠️ Development Timeline:
- The hardware is still early in development.
- Don’t expect it before 2026 or later.
- Jony Ive and OpenAI reportedly raised over $1 billion in funding for this project, with backing from SoftBank.
🌐 Why It Matters:
- OpenAI wants to move beyond being just a software company.
- Competing in AI-native hardware could put it in direct competition with Apple, Meta, and Humane.
- If successful, this product could redefine personal computing by using AI as the primary interface, not apps or taps.
