A major shift in personal technology may be closer than anyone expected. Sam Altman and legendary designer Jony Ive have finally broken their silence on the mysterious hardware project OpenAI has been developing for over a year — a device both men believe could redefine how humans interact with technology and potentially move beyond the era of smartphones.
The collaboration between Altman, Ive, and Laurene Powell Jobs first surfaced publicly in May, when Altman confirmed that OpenAI had partnered with the former Apple design chief to create a new family of AI-native hardware. At the time, early estimates pointed to a 2026 debut, but the latest updates suggest the timeline has shifted to 2027.
What remained unknown until now was the nature of the product itself. That changed after Emerson Collective released a new conversation featuring Altman, Ive, and Powell Jobs on stage together. During the discussion, Altman revealed that OpenAI already has its first working prototype in hand — and hinted that the device is unlike anything seen before.
Altman described the prototype as “jaw-dropping good” and “exciting,” emphasising that the device aims to offer a more natural, intuitive, and human-centric way of interacting with AI systems. The comments reinforce earlier reports that OpenAI and Ive are not building a traditional smartphone, tablet, or laptop, but an entirely new category of personal computing.
Industry insiders speculate that the device could involve ambient computing, voice-driven AI, or a wearable form factor that blends digital assistance with real-world awareness. Ive, whose work includes the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, has repeatedly stated that future devices should reduce screen dependency — a philosophy that aligns with Altman’s push for AI that fits seamlessly into daily life.
The project is backed by large-scale investment, with SoftBank reportedly committing billions to help deliver the hardware ecosystem. The goal, according to those familiar with the work, is to build AI-first personal devices capable of replacing much of what smartphones currently do, but without the constant distraction of screens.
While the full design and capabilities remain undisclosed, this rare on-record confirmation marks the most significant public update from OpenAI and LoveFrom, Ive’s design firm. With a working prototype and a new wave of AI-native hardware expected in the next two years, the tech world is preparing for one of the biggest shifts in consumer technology since the launch of the iPhone.
If successful, the collaboration could introduce a new category of intelligent devices — and fundamentally redefine the future of personal computing.
