OpenAI’s ambitious initiative to introduce a groundbreaking AI-powered device in collaboration with renowned Apple designer Jony Ive is currently experiencing unforeseen challenges. As reported by the Financial Times, this secret partnership, which aims to create a compact, screenless gadget driven by artificial intelligence, is facing both design and technical obstacles that may push back its launch date. The collaboration between OpenAI and Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, commenced earlier this year following OpenAI’s acquisition of the company in a deal believed to be worth $6.5 billion. The goal of this project is to redefine interactions between humans and machines by developing a device that relies exclusively on audio and visual signals, eliminating the need for a conventional screen.
However, insiders indicate that realizing this vision has turned out to be significantly more complicated than initially expected. A key challenge is related to computing power. OpenAI, which is already under pressure to meet the high demand for the servers operating ChatGPT, reportedly does not have the infrastructure necessary for the device to function smoothly in real time.
One insider mentioned to FT, “Amazon has the compute for an Alexa, as does Google for its Home device, but OpenAI is struggling to secure enough compute for ChatGPT, let alone an AI device—they need to resolve that issue first.” This limitation presents a major obstacle, particularly since the device is anticipated to handle continuous streams of audio and visual data for effective operation. In addition to the technical difficulties, the team is facing the challenge of developing what insiders describe as the assistant’s “personality.” The objective is to create an AI companion that resembles “a helpful friend” rather than appearing impersonal or overly familiar.
Developers are reportedly testing various conversational models to achieve the right balance—friendly yet professional—while steering clear of previous devices that fell into the “weird AI companion” category. Privacy issues add another layer of complexity. The device is expected to function in an “always-on” mode, continuously listening and observing its environment to learn from user interactions. This approach has led to intense internal debates over how to balance privacy with functionality. According to one insider, refining the assistant’s responsiveness—ensuring it speaks only when necessary and knows when to stop—has been more challenging than anticipated. In terms of design, the device is expected to be similar in size to a smartphone, equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker.
It aims to seamlessly integrate into a user’s daily life, whether on a desk or in hand, providing an “aware but unobtrusive” experience. Although initial reports suggested a potential launch in 2026, the increasing array of technical and philosophical challenges has made this timeline increasingly uncertain. As OpenAI works to enhance both the emotional intelligence and computational framework of its inaugural consumer device, industry observers assert that its success or failure could redefine the landscape of AI-driven hardware.