The hype around OpenAI’s secret AI device is huge, but so are the delays.
Originally set for a 2026 launch, OpenAI and Jony Ive’s much-talked-about palm-sized, screenless AI assistant is now facing serious roadblocks. From computing power shortages to privacy concerns, insiders say the dream of an “always-on” personal AI friend might take longer to become real.
Why OpenAI’s AI Device Feels Like a Dream That’s Taking Too Long
Ever since OpenAI teamed up with Jony Ive, the design legend behind the iPhone, people have imagined a futuristic device that could talk, listen, and think, no screen, no buttons, just natural conversation.
But here’s the problem: building an always-on, context-aware AI companion is incredibly hard.
The device is supposed to be small enough to fit in your palm but smart enough to sense everything around you: sounds, light, faces, even moods. That means it constantly collects data, learns your habits, and responds like a friend.
Sounds magical, right? Until you realize how much computing power and privacy protection it actually requires.
How the Project Started, and Why It Matters
In May 2025, OpenAI spent $6.5 billion to acquire Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io Products, adding 20+ former Apple engineers to its team. Their mission: to create a new kind of AI-powered device that blends hardware and intelligence — something more natural than a phone, and more personal than a chatbot.
The plan was simple in theory:
“Build a friendly AI companion that fits seamlessly into everyday life.”
But the reality? Not so simple. Reports say computing limitations, design complexity, and privacy safeguards are all slowing the project down.
What OpenAI and I want to build
Imagine a device with no screen that listens, observes, and helps, like Siri or Alexa, but much smarter. It doesn’t need a wake word. It just knows when to respond.
Here’s what it’s designed to do:
- Constantly “see” and “hear” using built-in cameras and microphones.
- Understand your environment and adapt to your habits.
- Maintain a conversation without forgetting context.
- Help you plan, remember, or analyze what’s happening around you.
The inspiration reportedly comes from the movie Her, an AI friend who feels real but isn’t intrusive. OpenAI wants it to be a helpful, human-like companion, not another gadget glued to your hand.
The big problems holding it back
1. Not Enough Computing Power
OpenAI’s servers already power ChatGPT for millions of users, and adding millions of devices constantly streaming data could break the system. Unlike Amazon or Google, OpenAI doesn’t have its own large-scale cloud infrastructure yet, and renting GPU capacity is costly.
2. Tricky AI Behavior and Personality
Developers are struggling to make the device act “human” enough without being annoying. It must know when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how to sound friendly but not robotic. As one insider put it:
“The goal is a friend who’s a computer — not your weird AI girlfriend.”
3. Privacy and Trust Issues
Since it’s always listening and observing, privacy is a huge concern. Users want reassurance that their personal data isn’t being recorded or stored without consent. Unlike Meta’s AI glasses, this device might not have any visible indicator light to show when it’s active — and that’s a red flag for many.
Quick Look: What’s Inside the Project
| Challenge | What’s Happening | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Compute Power | Not enough GPUs or servers to handle real-time data from millions of devices | Could delay launch by months (or years) |
| Software Personality | Difficult to balance friendly vs. intrusive behavior | Impacts user trust and adoption |
| Privacy Design | Always-on sensors without clear signals | Could face regulatory pushback |
| Manufacturing | Supply chain tied to Luxshare in China; may shift to Vietnam or India | Affects production speed and cost |
Why This Matters to You
This isn’t just about gadgets.
If OpenAI gets this right, we’re talking about a new category of AI hardware — one that could eventually replace how we use phones, speakers, or even laptops.
Imagine:
- An AI that learns your routines and offers help before you ask.
- Conversations that feel natural, not scripted.
- A world where “talking to your device” feels like chatting with a friend, not a machine.
For creators, developers, and businesses, this could open a fresh frontier: AI companions that merge intelligence, emotion, and design in one portable device.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on OpenAI’s DevDay 2025 conference, happening on October 7 in San Francisco. Sam Altman and Jony Ive are expected to speak about “the craft of building in the age of AI.” Many hope they’ll finally give a glimpse of this mysterious gadget.
But don’t expect a full reveal yet. Insiders suggest more development time is needed before it’s ready for the public.
The Future of AI Devices
Whether delayed or not, this project marks a turning point. OpenAI isn’t just writing code anymore; it’s trying to reshape how humans experience AI in everyday life.
Yes, the technical roadblocks are real. But if any team can solve them, it’s probably this one, the minds behind ChatGPT and the iPhone now working side by side.
As Jony Ive once said about design:
“You can’t rush something you want to last forever.”
That might just be the story of OpenAI’s next big leap, a little device that could redefine our relationship with technology.
View Key Citations
New York Times: OpenAI unites with Jony Ive
Financial Times: OpenAI and Jony Ive grapple with technical issues
Engadget: OpenAI’s first device with Jony Ive could be delayed
The Decoder: OpenAI’s new AI device faces technical hurdles
TechCrunch: OpenAI and Jony Ive may be struggling
PYMNTS: OpenAI and Jony Ive hit roadblocks
