OpenAI is moving beyond software as it teams up with Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive, to develop an innovative AI device. The project, focused on creating a sleek, user-centric product powered by advanced AI, came to light through internal legal disclosures. This marks a strategic shift for OpenAI, signaling its intent to bring artificial intelligence into physical, everyday use. The announcement coincided with recent performance issues, such as the slowdown detailed in ChatGPT Outage Slows Response, which underscores the increasing reliance on stable, integrated AI systems. The partnership combines cutting-edge design with machine intelligence, suggesting a future where AI is not just accessed, but embedded directly into how we live.

The lawsuit

The concept of this device was disclosed during a legal dispute involving former OpenAI board members. The filings revealed direct involvement from Altman OpenAI and Jony Ive in designing a wearable or handheld device that emphasizes human-centered interaction. Rather than functioning like current smart devices, this new hardware may prioritize seamless functionality, possibly drawing inspiration from traditional forms like the tang suit. It’s expected to connect with systems such as Open AI video, allowing users to engage with AI in a more fluid, conversational way. The case and its implications were part of a broader update outlined in OpenAI Introduces Biorisk Safeguards in Latest AI Models, which emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety, ethics, and innovation in both model development and hardware integration. The project, often referred to internally as may hardware, signals OpenAI’s deeper shift from purely cloud-based services to physical AI experiences.

This broader shift in direction was also reflected in external industry reporting, such as coverage from Digital Software Labs, where OpenAI’s expanding focus on both ethical safeguards and hardware initiatives has been tracked closely. Despite common questions such as whether “is OpenAI owned by Google?”, the company remains independent, with significant investment from Microsoft. However, reports of integration bugs like the IO device error continue to surface, highlighting the technical hurdles that must be overcome for widespread deployment.

This venture, led by lab OpenAI, reflects a long-term vision to make AI devices part of everyday life, not just smart but beautifully crafted, intuitive, and stable. With Jony Ive’s design legacy behind it, the new device could set a standard for how AI interacts with users outside traditional interfaces. As explored in Digital Software Labs, this direction signifies a move beyond technical development into experiential design. Still, consistent issues such as the IO device error show that practical execution will be key. This phase of OpenAI’s evolution marks a move toward AI not just as code, but as an experience.