The tech world has long speculated about the secretive hardware project being developed jointly by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and legendary former Apple designer Jony Ive. Now, the mystery has moved one step closer to reality. During a recent appearance hosted by Emerson Collective, Altman and Ive revealed that their first AI-powered consumer device is expected to launch within two years—or possibly sooner.
First Prototypes Ready and “Jaw-Dropping,” Says Altman
In a video shared by Emerson Collective, Altman announced that the team has reached a significant milestone:
“Finally, we have the first prototypes… I can’t believe how jaw-droppingly good the work is.”
Ive echoed the sentiment, while noting that hardware development can be unpredictable and requires time to perfect.
The comments confirm what Silicon Valley insiders have suspected for months—OpenAI’s secret hardware skunkworks is advancing fast.
A Device That Isn’t a Smartphone — and May Not Even Have a Screen
While both leaders remain tight-lipped on specifics, they’ve ruled out one thing:
the device is not a smartphone.
Reports suggest it may be screen-less, representing a radical rethinking of personal technology. Ive described the design as “simple, beautiful and playful,” adding that the final prototype evokes a feeling similar to Apple’s most iconic hardware moments.
Altman said the product aims for a calmer, more human experience compared to smartphones.
He contrasted it with the chaotic stimulus of Times Square, saying the device is designed to feel like “sitting in a beautiful cabin by a lake.”
$6.4 Billion Acquisition and a Flood of Ex-Apple Talent
Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired Ive’s startup io for $6.4 billion, igniting speculation that Altman is preparing a full-fledged hardware strategy.
In recent months, OpenAI has hired dozens of former Apple engineers, including 40 new recruits in the past month alone.
Ive, known for designing the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, now leads the effort to create a new class of AI-native devices under the OpenAI banner.
A New Hardware Race Begins
While Apple struggles to replicate its iPhone-era magic, OpenAI and others are racing to define what comes next: AI pendants, smart rings, glasses, and beyond. Yet no company has built a device compelling enough to replace the smartphone.
Altman and Ive’s project may be the closest the industry has come to that breakthrough—but for now, the details remain Silicon Valley’s best-kept secret.
