An upcoming hardware project involving OpenAI and Apple’s legendary designer Jony Ive has been recently revealed, sparking excitement in the tech world. The product being developed is designed without a traditional screen, which is commonly associated with conventional structures, and it sparks curiosity about what kind of experience it will provide to the user.
According to information relayed by The Information’s reliable sources, this device aims to offer a more contextual, AI-powered experience rather than being just a smart speaker. Prior statements by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also hint in this direction; he emphasized that this new product developed with Ive is part of a product family. Particularly, the idea of a screenless design highlights a different dimension of interaction between the user and the device.
Recent leaks suggest that the company will not be limited to just a speaker-like device. The project is also exploring other ideas such as a wearable brooch, a digital voice recorder, and even smart glasses. The first hardware products planned for release are expected to reach consumers by late 2026 or early 2027. Although Altman initially stated that glasses would not be the first product, this idea could resurface in the future. Humane’s cautious stance towards wearable devices like AI Pin makes these variations potentially surprising.
The previously discussed possibility of an in-ear AI device does not seem to be on the agenda for now; however, the product portfolio could expand. The company has not publicly announced these hardware projects with an official reveal. Nevertheless, its steps in hardware suggest that OpenAI is not solely committed to a software-focused approach and aims to strengthen physical AI experiences as well.
