OpenAI's first Jony Ive-designed AI hardware might just be a pen
OpenAI 's mysterious first hardware product, designed in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive, may have just been revealed—and it's not what most people expected. The device, internally codenamed "Gumdrop," could just be a pen. Obviously, one with AI, serving as what the company calls a “third-core” device—meant to complement smartphones and laptops in daily life.
The pen would be far from ordinary—described as "contextually aware," it's designed to work as a "third-core" device that sits alongside your laptop and smartphone. Think of it as an AI companion that fits in your pocket or on your desk, enabling seamless two-way communication with ChatGPT through a paired device. OpenAI is also working on two additional gadgets, including a portable audio device for on-the-go use.
Manufacturers of iPhone could also be making OpenAI’s AI-powered pen
According to industry tipster Smart Pikachu, Foxconn will likely handle manufacturing duties, with production expected in Vietnam. OpenAI initially tapped Chinese electronics giant Luxshare for the job but switched gears over concerns about having its hardware made in China. Discussions are even underway about potentially manufacturing the device at Foxconn's US facilities, though Vietnam remains the most likely location.
The hardware venture stems from OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's startup io last May through an all-stock deal worth $6.5 billion. The io team—packed with former Apple hardware veterans including Evans Hankey and Tang Tan—officially merged with OpenAI in July 2025, with Ive and his LoveFrom collective now steering design across all OpenAI products.
OpenAI’s pen is still two years away
During a November interview, Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed they've locked down a prototype design and hinted at a launch timeline of under two years. Altman's description was telling: "simple and beautiful and playful"—something users would naturally want to pick up and use without thinking twice.
The challenge? AI hardware hasn't exactly been a hit parade. Gadgets like the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1, and Friend pendant all flopped spectacularly despite big promises. OpenAI is betting that combining world-class AI with Ive's design magic will finally crack the code where others couldn't.
The pen would be far from ordinary—described as "contextually aware," it's designed to work as a "third-core" device that sits alongside your laptop and smartphone. Think of it as an AI companion that fits in your pocket or on your desk, enabling seamless two-way communication with ChatGPT through a paired device. OpenAI is also working on two additional gadgets, including a portable audio device for on-the-go use.
Manufacturers of iPhone could also be making OpenAI’s AI-powered pen
According to industry tipster Smart Pikachu, Foxconn will likely handle manufacturing duties, with production expected in Vietnam. OpenAI initially tapped Chinese electronics giant Luxshare for the job but switched gears over concerns about having its hardware made in China. Discussions are even underway about potentially manufacturing the device at Foxconn's US facilities, though Vietnam remains the most likely location.
The hardware venture stems from OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's startup io last May through an all-stock deal worth $6.5 billion. The io team—packed with former Apple hardware veterans including Evans Hankey and Tang Tan—officially merged with OpenAI in July 2025, with Ive and his LoveFrom collective now steering design across all OpenAI products.
OpenAI’s pen is still two years away
During a November interview, Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed they've locked down a prototype design and hinted at a launch timeline of under two years. Altman's description was telling: "simple and beautiful and playful"—something users would naturally want to pick up and use without thinking twice.
The challenge? AI hardware hasn't exactly been a hit parade. Gadgets like the Humane AI Pin, Rabbit R1, and Friend pendant all flopped spectacularly despite big promises. OpenAI is betting that combining world-class AI with Ive's design magic will finally crack the code where others couldn't.
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