A former Apple figure and OpenAI, the organisation behind ChatGPT, are working together on a project that will result in a device where, as expected, artificial intelligence will be the centerpiece. Given the participants in this initiative, the product has been referred to as “the iPhone of AI.” But the truth is, it won’t be a smartphone as we know it.
The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI raised a stir when the first rumours of a possible venture between the parties began to circulate in 2023. Later, the former Apple designer (recognised for creating the aesthetics of Apple’s famous products like the iPhone and iPad, among others) confirmed that the partnership is indeed moving forward to develop an AI-powered device that is expected to reach the market with a disruptive proposition.
Now, new clues are circulating about the device Ive and the creators of ChatGPT are working on. What are they working on? What will be the features of this product, which will offer new ways of interacting with AI?
AI iPhone ‘is not a phone,’ say sources
A report in The Information reveals some of the potential features of this development. Sources close to the project indicated that “it’s not a phone,” although it will function similarly to a smartphone. However, they said it won’t have a screen.
The truth is that the collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is still a mystery. The aforementioned publication notes that they are still working on its design, and within that framework, we don’t know when it will reach users.
Meanwhile, it’s known that the unique device is being developed by io Products, a startup founded b Altman, along with LoveFrom, the former Apple’s designer’s firm. In recent news, it was mentioned that OpenAI could acquire io Products, giving the AI organisation greater control over the project’s progress.
The “AI iPhone” theme isn’t so much about the smartphone format itself, but rather the disruption brought by the Apple product which inaugurated the smartphone category. In this sense, reports indicate that OpenAI aims to create a device that addresses much more than just a niche consumer.
Now that it’s been announced that it will be screen-free, new speculation has arisen. How do they intend to appeal to audiences accustomed to phones, and what role will AI play? Verbal interactions are expected to take center stage, although we’ll naturally have to wait to learn more about this product.