In a development that has captivated the tech world, the secretive artificial intelligence hardware project being developed by OpenAI in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive might take the form of a pen-like AI gadget. New details, reportedly sourced from the supply chain, have emerged online, shedding some light on this highly anticipated device.
The Tipster's Revelation: A Pen-Style AI Companion
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by industry tipster known as Smart Pikachu, the mysterious device is internally codenamed 'Gumdrop'. The tipster claims the gadget could be an AI-powered pen that facilitates two-way communication with OpenAI's flagship AI, ChatGPT. This interaction would likely occur via a paired smartphone or another connected device.
While neither Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, nor Jony Ive have confirmed any specifics, this leak aligns with the long-standing speculation about the project's form factor. If accurate, OpenAI would be entering a niche but explored market. Notably, in August 2024, the World Literacy Foundation unveiled the 'Literacy Pen', an assistive AI device designed to help users read and write. That device, a white cuboid, featured a digital display and microphone.
Andrew Kay, CEO of that non-profit, had expressed intentions to seek philanthropic support to roll out the Literacy Pen in India. This historical context shows that the concept of an AI-integrated pen is not entirely new, but a version from the combined minds of OpenAI and Ive would carry significant weight.
Manufacturing Shifts and Project Details
The tipster's post also provided intriguing insights into the device's production journey. Initially, the manufacturing contract was reportedly assigned to Chinese electronics maker Luxshare. However, a dispute over the manufacturing site location has apparently led OpenAI to consider shifting production to Taiwan-based Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer known for assembling iPhones and Google Pixel phones.
The current plan, as per the leak, is to build the device in Vietnam. Discussions about possibly manufacturing at Foxconn's plants in the United States are also said to be ongoing. This 'Gumdrop' device is also tipped to function as a portable audio device, adding another layer to its potential capabilities.
A History of Secrecy and High Expectations
The collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman was first announced over a year ago, and since then, concrete details have been scarce. The project has been shrouded in secrecy, fueling intense online speculation about its final design and function.
Earlier reports have offered some clues while ruling out certain possibilities. In May 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that Altman previewed the device to OpenAI staff, describing it as a product that would be fully aware of a user's life and surroundings, unobtrusive, and pocketable. Furthermore, based on legal filings, it has been clarified that the device is definitely not a pair of earphones or an in-ear wearable, as stated by Tang Tan, co-founder of hardware startup io.
The expectations for this device are astronomically high, given OpenAI's dominance in AI software and Jony Ive's unparalleled track record in creating iconic, sleek hardware like the iPhone. The tech industry is watching closely, especially since recent attempts at standalone AI devices, such as the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1, have faced harsh criticism for not meeting user expectations.
As the world waits for an official announcement, these leaks suggest that OpenAI and Jony Ive are meticulously working behind the scenes, possibly aiming to launch a device that could define a new category of personal AI hardware, much like the iPhone revolutionized smartphones in 2007.
