Jony Ive, the iconic former Apple designer now partnering with OpenAI, said a prototype of his team’s first physical AI device is already in development and could be unveiled in less than two years.
He made the comments during an onstage interview with Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs’ widow, at Emerson Collective’s ninth annual Demo Day in San Francisco, alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. OpenAI previously said the first products were expected in 2026.
Altman described the device as “simple, beautiful and playful,” saying Ive’s design strips away unnecessary features in favor of elegance and emotional connection. Ive said he is drawn to products that feel intuitive, simple and even joyful to use. Altman added that the device is being designed to feel as natural as a basic tool, despite its advanced intelligence and personal context.
Ive founded LoveFrom after leaving Apple in 2019, where he led the design of the iPhone, iPad, iMac, Apple Watch and others. Ive also co-founded an AI device startup called io, which OpenAI acquired for $6.5 billion in May 2025.
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