Sam Altman and Jony Ive to Build AI-Powered Smartphone Alternative

OpenAI is working on a new AI-powered hardware device that could replace smartphones.

According to reports from Nikkei Asia, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that the company is developing the device in collaboration with Jony Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple.

A Vision for AI-Powered Hardware

Altman has hinted at the idea of building AI-integrated hardware for some time. Unlike traditional mobile devices, this AI-focused hardware is expected to be less socially disruptive and offer a more seamless digital experience.

Last year, reports suggested that OpenAI and Ive had already begun discussions on a device that could handle complex user interactions more efficiently than current smartphones.

In a podcast interview in May 2024, Altman discussed the possibility of running large language models (LLMs) on smartphones. However, he also stated that affordability alone would not be enough to convince users to carry a second device.

According to Altman, most people are already willing to pay for a smartphone, making it difficult for new AI devices to gain widespread adoption.

Past AI Hardware Attempts

This is not OpenAI’s first step into AI hardware. A few years ago, Altman invested $30 million in a startup called Humane Inc., which aimed to develop AI-powered hardware.

However, the company’s Humane AI Pin and other devices, such as the Rabbit R1, received negative reviews due to performance issues and a poor user experience.

Big tech companies like Google and Apple have focused on integrating AI into existing smartphones rather than building entirely new devices.

Google has been adding generative AI features to its Pixel smartphones, while OpenAI itself has worked with Apple to integrate ChatGPT into the iPhone.

What’s Next for OpenAI’s AI Device?

OpenAI has not yet provided a timeline for the release of this device, but the company’s growing investment in AI-powered hardware signals a shift toward redefining how people interact with technology.

If successful, this new AI device could change the way people communicate, work, and access information—potentially reducing reliance on traditional smartphones.