OpenAI, the company that brought artificial intelligence into the public spotlight, is now working on a very different and revolutionary device. During an internal meeting, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company’s next major product will not be a wearable device.
According to Altman, this new product is a compact, screenless AI device that is fully aware of its user’s surroundings. Small enough to sit on a desk or fit into a pocket, he described it as a “third core device” alongside the MacBook Pro and iPhone — an “AI companion” seamlessly integrated into daily life.
This announcement follows OpenAI’s declaration that it will acquire “io,” a startup founded in 2024 by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion equity deal. Jony Ive will now take on a significant creative and design role at OpenAI.
Altman reportedly told employees that this acquisition could add up to $1 trillion in market value to the company in the future. The upcoming device is expected to create an entirely new category, distinct from existing handheld devices, wearables, and smart glasses.
At the same time, Altman stressed the importance of secrecy, emphasizing that maximum confidentiality must be maintained to prevent competitors from copying the product before its official release. However, the leak of his comments has raised concerns about trust within the team and how much more he may be willing to share going forward.
This bold move by OpenAI could mark the beginning of a new wave of innovation in the tech world. The upcoming device has the potential to transform the way we live and interact with artificial intelligence in a more natural, integrated manner.
