OpenAI's First Device: Doughnut-Shaped Speaker by Jony Ive
In brief
- OpenAI's first device: battery-powered screenless speaker, hockey puck size, priced $300–$400.
- Speaker features camera, microphones, lights, and moving casing parts signaling response status.
- Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio designed the hardware using high-quality metal and upscale materials.
- Apple sued OpenAI in July over alleged hardware trade secret misappropriation; OpenAI filed motion to dismiss.
- Device ships 2027, operates like ChatGPT voice mode with advanced AI models.
Design and Hardware
The device was designed with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio and uses upscale materials including high-quality metal. Speaker grilles, microphones, lights to signal listening, a camera and sensors are integrated into the circular form factor. Parts of the circular casing will move on their own to show when the device is responding.
OpenAI bought Ive's device startup io for $6.4 billion in May 2025, signaling the company's commitment to hardware development. The speaker represents OpenAI's first foray into consumer devices, positioning itself as a computer built around AI that works much like ChatGPT's voice mode with more advanced models.
Apple's Lawsuit and Response
Apple sued OpenAI in July in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California over alleged misappropriation of hardware trade secrets. The complaint names former engineer Chang Liu, former design executive Tang Yew Tan and io Products. Apple's complaint cites a metal finishing technique it says OpenAI asked a longtime Apple supplier to develop for an upcoming product.
OpenAI denies the allegations and called the suit "careless, aggressive and oddly personal". The company said Apple had confused two employees with similar surnames, and published emails and texts it says undercut the claims. OpenAI filed a motion to dismiss late Wednesday. Apple has also asked for a preliminary injunction that could restrict OpenAI while the case proceeds.
Timeline and Broader Strategy
OpenAI has aimed to unveil the speaker this year and ship it in 2027. Beyond the speaker, OpenAI is separately co-developing a smartphone chip with Qualcomm and MediaTek, suggesting a broader push into consumer hardware.
