OpenAI's mysterious wearable "third-core" AI device could be followed by a suite of other Jony Ive-designed and AI-based devices, including a smart speaker with a display, a voice recorder and a pair of smart glasses. And reportedly, the ChatGPT-maker is raiding Apple for designers and building inroads with Apple's supply chain suppliers.
These claims come from a massive new report by The Information, which reports that OpenAI has secured contracts with companies like Luxshare, an Apple product assembler, to supply components for future AI devices like speaker modules. They have allegedly reached out to a company called Goertek, which assembles AirPods, HomePods and Apple watches.
Multiple devices
The company is also allegedly developing a digital voice record, smart glasses and a wearable pin. The pin isn't too surprising considering that kind of device has been hinted at by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as recently as last month.
At the time, Altman called it a "third core device" that would live alongside your laptop or smartphone, and would be wearable and screen-free. Though Ive has publicly stated his dislike of the failed Humane AI Pin, and some rumors have suggested that he is developing an in-ear device, something not mentioned in The Information article.
It's all part of the partnership between OpenAI and Jony Ive's hardware startup that OpenAI acquired in May. Altman wants to create the "iPhone of AI."
According to The Information, the first OpenAI device is slated for release in late 2026 or early 2027.
Poaching from Apple
To achieve this, OpenAI is reportedly poaching Apple employees. Current chief hardware officer and former Apple product design lead, Tang Tan, has allegedly been pitching OpenAI as having less red tape and "more collaboration" to people coming over from Apple.
Reportedly, Tan isn't having to twist arms, as it seems people are excited to work with Tan and Ive again. New recruits have included engineers and designers who worked on products like the Apple Watch or the initial Siri designs.
“Our goal was, and is, to create a family of products that would revolutionize the way people interact with AI technology,” Tan stated in a recent court declaration.
Outlook
It's an interesting time for OpenAI to try and dethrone Apple as a ubiquitous device maker. AI devices are coming and not just from Apple.
Meta just revealed a trio of new smart glasses during Meta Connect 2025, including the Meta Ray-Ban Display specs that feature a display in one lens and the Meta Neural Band for gesture controls.
Apple is expected to release its own smart speaker with a display in a third-generation HomePod that should release later this year or in 2026. It's also rumored to be developing Apple Glasses, which might be released in 2027.
Apple has largely gotten in the way of its Apple Intelligence rollout, but assuming the company gets its stuff together, 2026 could be a hinge point for the future of Apple's AI.
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