Sam Altman and Jony Ive reveal prototype of new AI device

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and famed former Apple designer Jony Ive have revealed the first prototype of their much-anticipated AI device, according to a report in The Hindu. The pair have been working together through their respective companies — OpenAI and Ive’s design firm LoveFrom — to build a next-generation AI-native hardware device.

While details remain tightly under wraps, sources familiar with the project suggest the device is intended to offer a radically new way to interact with AI — beyond smartphones or computers. The team reportedly aims to bring the prototype to market within the next two years, setting an ambitious timeline for a product that blends cutting-edge AI models with human-centric design.

The effort is backed by over $1 billion in funding from Altman’s AI infrastructure fund and includes key personnel from both OpenAI and LoveFrom. Altman had previously invested in Humane, a startup building a wearable AI assistant, which shares a similar vision of ambient, AI-driven interaction. However, Altman has since clarified that this new collaboration with Ive is entirely separate.

While no specifications or product name have been revealed, the device is believed to be screenless or minimally screen-dependent, relying instead on natural language interfaces, sensors, and voice commands to enable everyday AI utility. The concept aligns with the growing interest in post-smartphone computing—where AI becomes seamlessly integrated into physical environments.

If successful, this could mark a significant shift in how users engage with AI — moving away from apps and interfaces, toward context-aware, personalised experiences.