OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device to enter mass production in 2027: Kuo

Until now, OpenAI’s offerings have been software-first, most notably with ChatGPT.

OpenAI’s much-anticipated leap into hardware, in collaboration with iconic designer Jony Ive, is taking shape, and now we have a timeline. According to renowned TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new screenless AI device is set to enter mass production in 2027, with initial products expected to roll out in 2026.

Compact, Screenless and Wearable

Unlike smartphones or traditional wearables, this new device will not have a display. (OpenAI)

By Ayushmann Chawla

Ayushmann Chawla is the Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. A seasoned tech journalist with years of experience working for some of the industry’s leading media organizations, his articles can also be read on Live Mint. His passion extends beyond journalism—he’s a dedicated automobile enthusiast, always ready to explore the latest in car technology and design. A self-confessed gadget lover, Ayushmann finds joy in testing new devices and sharing his findings with his audience. Instagram: ayushmannchawla

Read moreRead less

Kuo revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the prototype device is “slightly larger than Humane’s AI Pin” but retains a compact form factor reminiscent of the iPod Shuffle. Designed to be worn around the neck, the device features cameras and microphones to sense its environment and relay information contextually, a hallmark of the emerging category of ambient, screenless AI devices.

Mobile Finder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launched in India

Unlike smartphones or traditional wearables, this new device will not have a display. Instead, it will rely on connectivity to smartphones and PCs to process data and deliver output. It aims to function as an ever-present AI assistant, seamlessly interacting with the real world while offloading computing tasks to companion devices.

OpenAI Acquires ‘io’ to Realise Vision

Kuo’s post comes on the heels of Bloomberg’s report that OpenAI has acquired “io,” a subsidiary of Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom, in a deal reportedly valued at around $6.5 billion. This acquisition not only underscores OpenAI’s ambition to move into hardware but also signifies a broader shift in the industry, from purely software-based AI to what is increasingly referred to as "physical AI."

According to Kuo, OpenAI plans to manufacture the device outside China, with Vietnam a likely choice. This move aligns with growing tech sector trends to diversify supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties, something Apple has also pursued in recent years.

What It Means for the Future of AI

This partnership could reshape the AI device landscape. Until now, OpenAI’s offerings have been software-first, most notably with ChatGPT. By teaming up with Jony Ive, the design visionary behind the iPhone and iMac, OpenAI is positioning itself to deliver a radically new kind of personal device that moves AI off the screen and into users’ physical space.