Launch Pushed Back as Technical and Design Issues Persist
The highly anticipated AI hardware device being developed by OpenAI and former Apple design chief Jony Ive has reportedly been delayed, as the project struggles to overcome several key challenges. Initially scheduled for launch next year, the device—codenamed “io”—is facing setbacks related to computing power, privacy, and interaction design, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.
The project, which has been shrouded in secrecy, aims to introduce a new class of AI hardware distinct from existing devices like smartphones or smart glasses. Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have previously hinted that the device represents an entirely new form factor, rejecting comparisons to wearables or voice assistants. Despite the intrigue, reports indicate that the product’s development is far from complete.
Three Core Problems Behind the Delay
The first and most pressing challenge is ensuring the device has sufficient computing power to run OpenAI’s advanced models. One source familiar with the project said that the company is “struggling to get enough compute for ChatGPT, let alone an AI device.” The shortage of processing capacity has slowed progress, raising concerns about whether the hardware can support real-time AI interactions at scale.
Privacy is the second major obstacle. The device is described as being “always on,” with active cameras and microphones—posing significant ethical and security questions. Unlike smart speakers that activate via wake words, the continuous data collection has sparked internal debate over user consent and surveillance risks.
The third challenge lies in crafting the device’s “personality.” Developers are attempting to make interactions feel natural and supportive without crossing boundaries or becoming intrusive. As one insider described it, “The concept is that you should have a friend who’s a computer who isn’t your weird AI girlfriend.” Striking that balance has proven more difficult than expected.
Expanding Vision: A Family of AI Devices
At OpenAI’s developer conference, both Altman and Ive offered brief updates on the project. Ive revealed that his design team has explored “15 to 20 really compelling product ideas,” hinting at a potential “family of devices” rather than a single product. He said the goal is to create technology that makes people “happy, fulfilled, and less anxious,” suggesting a human-centered approach to AI hardware.
Altman acknowledged the complexity of the effort. “Hardware is hard. Figuring out new computing form factors is hard,” he said during a media briefing. “We think we have a chance to do something amazing, but it will take a while.” His comments indicate that while the project remains active, a commercial launch is unlikely until major design and engineering breakthroughs are achieved.
Speculation and Expectations
Since its announcement, speculation about the device’s form and function has run rampant. Despite OpenAI’s teasing imagery of a sleek, pebble-shaped prototype, details about its purpose and interface remain unclear. The company has ruled out traditional categories like smartphones, wearables, or smart rings, fueling curiosity about what kind of interaction model it will introduce.
While OpenAI and Ive’s collaboration continues to attract attention, the delay underscores the complexity of merging artificial intelligence with physical design. Until the technical and ethical challenges are resolved, the world will have to wait to see whether this mysterious “io” device can truly redefine human-computer interaction.