Jony Ive, the renowned designer behind iconic Apple products like the iPhone and iPad, is collaborating with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on a new AI device startup. The project, which is still in its early stages, aims to create a product that offers a less socially disruptive computing experience compared to current smartphones. Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, is leading the development of the device, with the involvement of other former Apple executives such as Tang Tan, who previously oversaw iPhone development.
The exact specifications and release timeline of the product are yet to be determined, as confirmed by industrial designer Marc Newson, who co-founded LoveFrom with Ive. The collaboration between Ive and Altman began over a series of dinners where they discussed the potential of generative AI in computing devices. Despite the lack of details, the project has already attracted significant interest from investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and Ive himself.
The company is reportedly aiming to raise up to $1 billion in funding by the end of the year.
Jony Ive collaborates with OpenAI
The concept of an AI-powered device comes at a time when several AI-enabled devices have been introduced, albeit with mixed reviews and reported high return rates.
Meanwhile, companies like Google and Samsung are integrating generative AI capabilities into their phone lineups, while Apple’s new devices are set to receive AI features in the coming weeks and months. As consumers grapple with the distractions posed by mobile devices, a new product that offers a different approach to AI integration could be appealing. However, some industry experts remain skeptical about the impact of AI on daily communication and social media.
Yves Béhar, founder of Fuseproject, believes that AI applications should focus on fulfilling specific human needs rather than feeding the attention economy. The success of LoveFrom and OpenAI’s collaboration may depend on their ability to create a device that seamlessly integrates with human interaction without demanding constant engagement. As the project progresses, the industry eagerly awaits to see if Jony Ive’s new venture will set a new standard for AI in consumer tech, paving the way for a more socially integrated and less disruptive future.
