OpenAI's Jony Ive-Designed Device Delayed to 2027
Source: MacRumors
Background
OpenAI’s first hardware device, designed in collaboration with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, was originally slated to ship before the end of 2026. New court filings, cited by Wired, indicate the launch has been pushed to February 2027.
Trademark lawsuit
The delay stems from a trademark‑infringement lawsuit filed last year by audio‑device startup iyO. The startup sued OpenAI after the latter acquired io, a company founded by Ive.
The filing notes that OpenAI has not created any packaging or marketing materials for the device and has reviewed its product‑naming strategy, deciding not to use the name “io” (or “IYO,” or any capitalization thereof) for any AI‑enabled hardware products.
Device timeline
- Original goal: Ship the ChatGPT‑powered device before the end of 2026.
- Current filing: First hardware device won’t ship to customers before the end of February 2027.
Product details
- Described as a “third core device” that would sit in a pocket or on a desk alongside a MacBook Pro and iPhone.
- Based on previous filings, it will not be an in‑ear device or a wearable.
- Previous leaks suggest the device will be:
- Pocket‑sized
- Contextually aware of the user’s surroundings and life
- Completely screen‑free
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly told staff the prototype is “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen” after testing Ive’s design at home.
Rumors and debunked ad
Over the weekend, Reddit users circulated a now‑deleted post claiming OpenAI had pulled a Super Bowl ad for the upcoming device. The alleged ad featured actor Alexander Skarsgård in silver headphones tapping a reflective puck. The video was widely shared on social media, including by Reddit co‑founder Alexis Ohanian, but the claim has since been debunked.