Jony Ive, the legendary designer behind Apple’s most iconic products, is embarking on a new venture that could revolutionize the world of AI hardware. In collaboration with Sam Altman, the former president of OpenAI, Ive is working on a groundbreaking project that aims to create a new type of computing device powered by generative AI.
The project, which is expected to secure up to $1 billion in funding by the end of the year, has already garnered significant interest from investors like Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective. This level of investment reflects the immense potential and scale of the project, as well as the confidence in Ive and Altman’s vision.
The New York Times reports that while the specifics of the AI hardware device remain under wraps, it is designed to handle complex user requests more efficiently than traditional software. Unlike existing AI hardware products that have faced challenges and limited user adoption, Ive and Altman’s device aims to integrate advanced AI capabilities, such as summarizing information, identifying objects, and handling intricate tasks like booking travel.
Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, is leading the design effort for this new device with a team of industry veterans, including Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, who played pivotal roles in developing the iPhone at Apple. The team is currently working out of a sprawling 32,000-square-foot office in San Francisco, a significant real estate investment totaling $90 million for a single city block.
As the project is still in its early stages, with only about ten employees on board, Altman has indicated that the product is “a long way away” from release. This timeline suggests that it may take several years, similar to the development process of OpenAI‘s previous products. We should note that this news comes as OpenAI is seeking $6.5B in investment while it transitions to a For-Profit.
Altman has confirmed that the device is not a phone, according to Axios. So we know that much. “I don’t think you should try to do a better phone,” Altman said during an onstage interview with Axios’ Ina Fried at an OpenAI event.
The potential impact of this project on the tech industry and user experiences is immense. If successful, it could pave the way for a new generation of computing devices that leverage generative AI to enhance user interactions and capabilities beyond what traditional software and current AI hardware can offer.
Jony Ive’s involvement in this project marks his most significant technology endeavor since leaving Apple in 2019. It demonstrates his continued influence in the tech industry and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovative design and technology.
As the world eagerly awaits further developments, one thing is clear: Jony Ive’s new AI hardware project has the potential to reshape the future of computing and user experiences, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential designers of our time.
Why It Matters
Building true “AI hardware” has been one of the toughest challenges in recent years, but two industry visionaries are now teaming up to crack the AI hardware code.
Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have confirmed that they are working together to create a new AI-powered device. This marks Ive’s first major foray back into the tech world since his departure from Apple.
Their goal? To create a device that delivers a seamless AI-driven experience while being “less socially disruptive than the iPhone.”
Ive and Altman appear to be following Apple’s signature strategy: let other companies make mistakes first, study the market’s reaction, and then design a product that addresses all the frustrations consumers have with existing solutions.
In the last few years, we’ve seen several failed attempts at AI hardware integrations—notably the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin—and it’s clear that Ive and Altman have been paying close attention, taking notes, and learning from these missteps.
While specifics are still sparse, the potential is massive. With $1 billion in funding on the horizon, they could very well achieve the goal of creating a popular, successful device that is “less socially disruptive than the iPhone”.
If they succeed, we may finally get the AI hardware that the world has been waiting for. Only time will tell.
