OpenAI's AI Hardware Project Faces Major Timeline and Branding Shifts
OpenAI has provided crucial updates regarding its highly anticipated artificial intelligence-powered physical hardware device, revealing significant delays and a complete rebranding of the project. The ChatGPT-maker confirmed that the AI device, developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, will not reach consumers until at least February 2027, marking a substantial postponement from earlier expectations.
Legal Filings Reveal Extended Timeline
According to a sworn statement by Peter Welinder, OpenAI's vice president and general manager, filed as part of court documents on Monday, February 9, the company has officially acknowledged the extended timeline for its hardware product. This admission emerged during an ongoing legal battle with startup Iyo, which sued OpenAI last year over trademark infringement related to the "io" name.
The revelation confirms that consumers will need to wait several more years before experiencing what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described as a "radical departure" from current mobile technology.
Product Unveiling Expected in 2026 Despite Shipping Delay
While the shipping date has been pushed to early 2027, the public unveiling of the device may occur significantly earlier. Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, stated during the Axios House Davos event last month that the company remains "on track" for a product reveal in the second half of 2026.
"We are looking at something in the latter part [of 2026]," Lehane told Axios, while cautiously noting that "we will see how things advance" regarding this timeline.
Complete Abandonment of 'io' Branding
A major pivot in the project's branding strategy was confirmed through the recent legal filing. OpenAI's legal team explicitly stated that the company has officially abandoned plans to use the "io" name for any forthcoming hardware products.
This decision follows a temporary restraining order issued in June last year that compelled OpenAI to remove all mentions of the "io" partnership and related promotional videos from its official website. The lawyers noted that OpenAI has "reevaluated the branding... in light of OpenAI's existing brands" and will not utilize the contested name for marketing or sales of any AI-enabled hardware devices.
Furthermore, OpenAI's legal representatives argued that a scheduled preliminary injunction hearing in April 2026 is now "unnecessary" given the company's complete abandonment of the disputed branding.
What We Know About OpenAI's Secret Device
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been increasingly vocal about his vision to move beyond traditional smartphone technology. He previously described the upcoming device as offering a "peaceful" user experience that represents a fundamental departure from current mobile devices, suggesting users will likely be "shocked" by its simplicity and innovative approach.
Industry speculation and insider reports suggest the hardware will feature:
- A screenless, wearable form factor
- Control mechanisms based primarily on voice, sound, and gesture recognition
- Potential designs including a "Pin" or brooch form
- Advanced earbud configurations
- High-tech pen or glasses-based implementations
The collaboration with Jony Ive, renowned for his iconic Apple product designs including the iPhone, iMac, and iPad, has generated substantial anticipation within the technology community. This partnership represents a significant convergence of cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities with world-class industrial design expertise.
The extended timeline provides OpenAI additional development time to refine what promises to be a groundbreaking entry into the consumer hardware market, while the branding shift eliminates potential legal obstacles that could have further complicated the product's launch.
