OpenAI's 1st hardware device will be launched in 2027
What's the story
OpenAI has confirmed that its highly anticipated first hardware device will not be launched before February 2027. The announcement came in a court filing yesterday, amid an ongoing legal battle with start-up Iyo over the "io" trademark. Previously, the timeline for this mysterious device was revealed by OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer during last month's Davos conference, which indicated a product reveal in late 2026.
Partnership
Device being developed with Jony Ive
The upcoming hardware device is being developed in collaboration with renowned ex-Apple designer Jony Ive. OpenAI's VP and GM, Peter Welinder, confirmed in the court filing that the company's first hardware device won't be delivered to customers before February 2027. However, it remains unclear if OpenAI still intends to unveil this new product later this year before its official launch.
Acquisition
OpenAI removed all references to partnership with Ive
Last year, OpenAI announced its plan to acquire Ive's hardware firm, io Products, in a nearly $6.5 billion deal. However, after Iyo sued OpenAI in June last year, a temporary restraining order was issued by the court against the use of "io" trademark. Subsequently, OpenAI removed all references to its partnership with Ive from its website and promotional materials.
Branding shift
OpenAI won't use 'io' branding for the product
In the recent court filing, OpenAI's lawyers revealed that the company has decided not to use the "io" branding for its product. The decision comes after a reevaluation of their upcoming hardware products' branding in light of OpenAI's existing brands. The legal team said this name would not be used for marketing or selling any artificial intelligence-enabled hardware products.
Product speculation
Speculation surrounding the device's form factor and purpose
The secrecy surrounding Ive and OpenAI's first hardware product has sparked a lot of speculation. Many are wondering if it will be in the form of earbuds, a pen, glasses, or something else entirely. A video purportedly teasing the new device was shared over the weekend but OpenAI dismissed it as "totally fake." The now-deleted Reddit post claimed that the video was an unused ad for Alexander Skarsgard's earbuds.