Jony Ive and OpenAI Develop Screen-Free AI Device

OpenAI and renowned designer Jony Ive are collaborating on a groundbreaking AI device that promises to change how we interact with technology. Unlike conventional gadgets, this device is pocket-sized, screen-free, and contextually aware, designed to seamlessly integrate into users’ daily lives without the need for a traditional display.

The project was revealed following OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive’s AI hardware startup, io. CEO Sam Altman envisions this partnership creating a “family of devices” that will complement existing technology like MacBook Pros and iPhones, serving as a “third core device” on users’ desks.

Set for release by late 2026, the device is expected to ship faster than any new product in history, with Altman predicting rapid adoption. Notably, it is neither eyewear nor a phone, as Ive prefers a design that avoids wearable tech and aims to reduce screen dependency—a direct response to the unintended consequences of the iPhone era.

This device represents what Ive calls “a new design movement,” reflecting his deep collaboration with Altman and a shared vision to redefine human-computer interaction. The partnership draws on Ive’s legacy of innovation from his Apple days, aiming to create technology that is both powerful and unobtrusive.

In a world saturated with screens, this device could mark a pivotal shift towards more natural, context-aware technology that respects users’ environments and lifestyles. It challenges the status quo, inviting us to rethink how AI can enhance daily life without dominating our attention.