A product previously dubbed the ‘iPhone of AI’ was said to be under development, with the legendary team-up of Jony Ive and Sam Altman bringing the device to fruition. At the time, those reports could be considered hot air, but with OpenAI recently acquiring Apple’s former design chief’s firm, io, for $6.5 billion, these two are definitely working on something that might be nothing short of exciting and groundbreaking. According to an analyst, the unnamed AI device is said to enter mass production in 2027, and he has obtained some design details which mention that the product is slightly larger than the discontinued Ai Pin, along with other noteworthy information.
Analyst says OpenAI may have deliberately made the announcement after Google I/O 2025 concluded to ‘divert the market’s attention,’ AI-powered product reportedly being mass produced outside of China
Last year, a report mentioned that Sam Altman and Jony Ive were attempting to close a funding round of $1 billion to accelerate the development plans of the futuristic device. Now, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has some insight into what this product might look like, while also stating that the mass production timeline is set for 2027. Also, despite China being the obvious region to accumulate the units to ship to other countries, Kuo comments that assembly could be shifted to Vietnam due to geopolitical reasons.
As for the design, the current sample is said to be slightly larger than the Ai Pin, with the exterior reportedly ‘small and exquisite as an iPod Shuffle.’ Of course, it is important to note that these specifications are subject to change, and it could be a while before a commercial launch transpires. However, the current information mentions that the wearable can be worn around the neck, and it is equipped with a camera and microphone to detect the external microphone, but like the Ai Pin, it lacks a display.
我的產業調查指出，關於Jony Ive與OpenAI合作的新型態AI硬體裝置：
1. 預計將在2027年量產。
2. 將在非中國組裝與出貨，以降低地緣政治風險。目前預計在越南組裝。
3. 目前樣品的外觀體積略大於AI Pin，外關設計猶如iPod Shuffle般小巧精緻。上述設計與規格在量產前可能還會有變化。
4.… pic.twitter.com/Yq1J0X4o15— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 22, 2025
Considering the fate of the Ai Pin, no display on a device that could seemingly cost hundreds of dollars will be a massive deal-breaker for potentially millions. As for the remaining functionality, it can be connected to a smartphone and PC while utilizing their computing resources and displays. In short, it is suggested that this product can be tethered to elevate the user experience. Kuo notes that the acquisition announcement from OpenAI could have been a deliberate move to divert some of the attention away from the Google I/O 2025 keynote.
It remains to be seen how successful this device will be, but the potent partnership of Jony Ive and Sam Altman could be something no one was prepared to see. Then again, it is essential to treat all of these details with a pinch of salt, and we shall return with more updates, so stay tuned.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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