Jony Ive criticises the smartphones he designed, sees his work with OpenAI as his chance for redemption
Apple 's former chief designer Jony Ive delivered a scathing critique of smartphones and tablets Monday, declaring that humanity's relationship with current technology represents "the most obscene understatement" of discomfort—even as he works to create entirely new AI-powered devices with OpenAI .
Speaking at OpenAI's DevDay conference in San Francisco , Ive told CEO Sam Altman that the collaboration offers "a chance to not just redress that, but absolutely change the situation that we find ourselves in." The designer emphasized his goal to build devices that fundamentally transform how people interact with technology rather than perpetuating existing problems.
Designer seeks happiness over efficiency in AI hardware
Ive revealed his core mission extends beyond productivity gains, focusing instead on emotional wellbeing. The new AI devices should "make us happy, and fulfilled, and more peaceful, and less anxious, and less disconnected," he explained during the fireside chat.
While acknowledging AI's potential to boost efficiency, Ive stressed that isn't his primary objective. He wants to bring fun back to product design while remaining mindful of risks, insisting that interfaces must genuinely make people smile rather than becoming "just another deeply serious exclusive thing"—a potential jab at Apple's premium branding approach.
Ive’s team have been exploring up to 20 concepts for OpenAI devices
The designer disclosed that his team has generated 15 to 20 compelling product ideas for OpenAI's device family, though the rapid pace of AI advancement makes focusing difficult. "From one week to the next, there's something else and then something else," Ive said when asked about unexpected challenges.
OpenAI purchased Ive's startup io for approximately $6.4 billion in May. Earlier reports suggest the devices may be screenless and aware of users' surroundings, with a potential late 2026 launch, though technical issues have reportedly caused delays.
Despite his criticism of existing technology, Ive invoked Steve Jobs' design philosophy that great products should feel inevitable and obvious in their solutions.
Speaking at OpenAI's DevDay conference in San Francisco , Ive told CEO Sam Altman that the collaboration offers "a chance to not just redress that, but absolutely change the situation that we find ourselves in." The designer emphasized his goal to build devices that fundamentally transform how people interact with technology rather than perpetuating existing problems.
Designer seeks happiness over efficiency in AI hardware
Ive revealed his core mission extends beyond productivity gains, focusing instead on emotional wellbeing. The new AI devices should "make us happy, and fulfilled, and more peaceful, and less anxious, and less disconnected," he explained during the fireside chat.
While acknowledging AI's potential to boost efficiency, Ive stressed that isn't his primary objective. He wants to bring fun back to product design while remaining mindful of risks, insisting that interfaces must genuinely make people smile rather than becoming "just another deeply serious exclusive thing"—a potential jab at Apple's premium branding approach.
Ive’s team have been exploring up to 20 concepts for OpenAI devices
The designer disclosed that his team has generated 15 to 20 compelling product ideas for OpenAI's device family, though the rapid pace of AI advancement makes focusing difficult. "From one week to the next, there's something else and then something else," Ive said when asked about unexpected challenges.
OpenAI purchased Ive's startup io for approximately $6.4 billion in May. Earlier reports suggest the devices may be screenless and aware of users' surroundings, with a potential late 2026 launch, though technical issues have reportedly caused delays.
Despite his criticism of existing technology, Ive invoked Steve Jobs' design philosophy that great products should feel inevitable and obvious in their solutions.
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