OpenAI is making progress toward creating the AI equivalent of the iPhone with Jony Ive.

      DigitalTrends.com

      OpenAI may be considering a shift into the hardware sector and is seeking to partner with top industry experts to facilitate this transition. While there are no definitive plans yet, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently discussed the potential collaboration with former Apple Design Chief Jony Ive, who is renowned for creating some of the industry's most beloved hardware designs. "We hope to do it in partnership with Jony Ive,” Altman expressed. He further stated that a joint effort between OpenAI and Ive could lead to the development of next-generation AI hardware, potentially initiating the most significant technological disruption since the first iPhone was launched in 2007.

      Although Altman did not provide additional specifics regarding the company's hardware development plans, reports suggest that the name "OpenAI" has appeared at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in association with products such as headphones, goggles, glasses, remotes, laptop and phone cases, smartwatches, smart jewelry, and virtual and augmented reality headsets designed "for AI-assisted interaction, simulation, and training," as reported by Techcrunch.

      Additionally, The Information has reported that OpenAI is expanding its robotics team, reportedly to test humanoid robots. Team leader Caitlin Kalinowski, who previously worked in Meta’s AR glasses division, joined OpenAI last November. BGR noted that SoftBank’s recent investment in OpenAI is reminiscent of SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son's request for exclusivity with the iPhone during its initial launch.

      There have been ongoing speculations since 2023 about OpenAI developing an AI-centric smartphone in collaboration with Jony Ive. Initial details suggest the device may operate similarly to an iPhone but feature voice-activated AI for a “more natural and intuitive experience,” according to Windows Central. Ive confirmed to the New York Times last year that he was working on a project with OpenAI that aims to rival Apple and Samsung in the mobile market, adding that the initiative was drawing investor interest of over $1 billion. He described the product as leveraging AI to provide a computing experience that would be "less socially disruptive than the iPhone."

      BGR also referenced previous rumors that suggested Altman and Ive had a meeting with the SoftBank chief last year. With OpenAI and SoftBank now having formalized an investment agreement, it appears that more developments could be on the horizon.

      Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends, covering various topics within the computing space, including…

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