They present themselves as two good friends who want to change the world: on the one hand, Jony Ive, Apple’s iconic former head of design; and on the other, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and champion of artificial intelligence.

Their aim is to work together, with their teams of engineers, to develop devices that favour more natural interactions, for a simplified user experience of all ways of using artificial intelligence.

Jony Ive and Sam Altman have been working together on this highly ambitious project for two years now. In a message posted online, the pair say that “this is an extraordinary moment.”

The message continues: “The io team, focused on developing products that inspire, empower and enable, will now merge with OpenAI to work more intimately with the research, engineering and product teams in San Francisco.”

Although details remain undisclosed, this new generation of product – intended to be far more intuitive than a computer or smartphone – could take the form of smart AI-powered headphones or home devices, capable of understanding context and anticipating user needs.

Although the nature of the device is unknown, a first prototype has already been developed. As such, a first disruptive device, with perfectly integrated and functional AI, capable of performing complex everyday tasks, is expected in 2026.

This project is part of a broader trend to rethink connected devices by integrating AI in a more profound way, in order to offer enhanced user experiences.

While the first attempts in this area caused something of a buzz, they ultimately fell flat.

The hype surrounding the Humane AI Pin, an intelligent assistant in the form of a small box controlled by voice and touch, and the Rabbit R1, a device designed to automate any task thanks to AI, quickly fizzled out, notably after the publication of disastrous initial tests by specialist media and minimal sales.

Today, the startup Humane has ceased operations, while Rabbit continues to work on improving its products.