At the end of last year, the news that former Apple designer Jony Ive was collaborating with OpenAI founder Sam Altman to develop a new AI-driven hardware device sparked considerable interest. Recently, The Information reported that Ive and Altman have engaged in discussions about funding with multiple venture capital firms.
What’s particularly intriguing is that this upcoming AI device is unlikely to take the form of a smartphone, despite widespread speculation that it will be an AI smartphone, especially given Ive's extensive experience designing phones at Apple. As the former Chief Design Officer, Ive has been behind several iconic products.
In parallel, the AI landscape is witnessing the emergence of other innovative devices. For instance, the startup Humane showcased its AI Pin—a pin-shaped device—at the end of last year and during MWC 2024. Users can interact with AI services through voice commands or a built-in projector. Another startup, Rabbit, introduced the Rabbit R1, a device that learns how users operate applications, facilitating natural language interactions.
These emerging devices highlight the diversity and potential of AI hardware, raising anticipation for what breakthroughs Ive and Altman’s collaboration may bring.