An iconic designer for Apple could completely transform OpenAI into a huge $1 trillion business.
This is after details were leaked about the possible introduction of a ‘screen-free’ device.
There’s much mystery around the device, which OpenAI is said to be working on with designer Jony Ive.
CEO of the AI company, Sam Altman, gave his staff a preview of the device yesterday (May 21), and what is known is that it’ll be pocket-sized, screen-free, and contextually aware.
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It has also been confirmed that the new device won’t be eyewear.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the plan by Altman and Ive is to try to wean people off screens.
Speaking to employees, Altman said that they have "the chance to do the biggest thing we’ve ever done as a company here."
What was said in the leaked call?
In a leaked recording of the call, Altman revealed plans for a ‘family of devices’ that are expected to be created in collaboration with Ive after OpenAI announced its intention to acquire the Apple designer’s startup company, named io, for $6.5 billion.
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Altman went on to say that the purchase could boost OpenAI to become a $1 trillion firm.
Meanwhile, Ive reportedly referred to the project as ‘a new design movement’.
When will the device be available to buy?
It’s expected that the device will be released by late 2026 but any other information surrounding its release is still shrouded in mystery.
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This is due to concerns over competitors possibly copying the product before its even on shop shelves.
Last year, in a profile of Ive for the New York Times, it was reported that ‘generative AI made it possible to create a new computing device because the technology could do more for users than traditional software’.
Are there any clues as to what the device could be?
Despite the secrecy around the highly anticipated product, Altman did drop some hints during the internal staff call.
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This included revealing that the device will be fully aware of its users' life and surroundings and will serve as a ‘third core device’, meaning that it is something that would be placed on a desk after an iPhone and a MacBook.
And Altman certainly seems to have high hopes for the device, saying that it will ship ‘faster than any company has ever shipped 100 million of something new before’.
So, what do we reckon it is?