OpenAI and Jony Ive Struggle With Technical Issues on Secretive AI Device [Report]

OpenAI and former Apple design chief Jony Ive are grappling with a series of technical issues on their secretive new artificial intelligence device, according to a new report from the Financial Times. The duo, who joined forces after OpenAI acquired Ive's company io in May, are reportedly pushing to launch the personal assistant next year.

The device is said to be a palm-sized gadget without a screen that uses a camera, microphone, and speaker to take cues from the environment and respond to requests. According to the report, it is designed to sit on a desk but can also be carried, and may feature multiple cameras. Unlike current assistants, the device would be "always on," with its sensors gathering data throughout the day to build its memory, rather than being triggered by a wake word.

People familiar with the plans told the outlet that several critical problems could delay the release. The obstacles are said to be related to the software and infrastructure needed to power the device, including defining the assistant's "personality," addressing privacy concerns, and budgeting for the necessary computing power. One person close to Ive noted that while companies like Amazon and Google have the compute for their assistants, "OpenAI is struggling to get enough compute for ChatGPT, let alone an AI device."


The goal is to create a more powerful and useful machine than the smart speakers of the last decade, but finding the right voice and mannerisms is proving to be a challenge. The report notes one issue is ensuring the device "only chimes in when useful," preventing it from talking too much or not knowing when to finish a conversation. One person briefed on the plans described the concept as having a "friend who's a computer who isn't your weird AI girlfriend... like Siri but better," a notable comparison given Apple's own advanced Siri features have been delayed until 2026.

OpenAI is entering a difficult market, with the Humane AI Pin having been scrapped and the Friend AI pendant criticized for being "creepy." The hardware push is seen as a way for OpenAI to justify its new $500 billion valuation, which has overtaken SpaceX to become the world's most valuable private company. To build its hardware business, the company has been on a hiring spree. The acquisition of io brought in more than 20 former Apple hardware employees, and OpenAI has since recruited at least a dozen other Apple device experts, adding to what has been described as an AI exodus from Apple. The company has also reportedly poached staff from Meta's Quest headset and smart glasses teams.

The report also indicates that OpenAI is working with Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare to create the device, though final assembly may happen outside of China. While few specifics have been confirmed, earlier reports suggested the device could be a wearable with no display.

Both OpenAI and LoveFrom, Ive's design firm, declined to comment on the report.