OpenAI Device Not a Headphone
Published Date: 25 Jun 2025
In a recent court declaration, io co-founder Tang Tan revealed that the prototype of OpenAI's first device, developed in collaboration with Apple's former head of design Jony Ive, will not be a pair of headphones. This news comes after OpenAI and io kept the form factor and details of the device under wraps since announcing their partnership earlier this month. The declaration was made in legal filings related to a trademark dispute lawsuit filed by a Google-backed hardware startup.
The lawsuit, which led to the removal of promotional materials and a launch video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Jony Ive, has shed light on the development of the mass-market AI hardware device. According to the legal filings, OpenAI and io executives conducted extensive research on in-ear hardware devices, purchasing at least 30 pairs of headphones from various manufacturers to understand the current market offerings.
The filings also revealed that Tang Tan and Peter Welinder, OpenAI's VP of Product, met with Jason Rugolo, the CEO of the Google-backed startup, to learn more about their in-ear products. However, they were disappointed with the custom-fit earpiece, which failed repeatedly during demonstrations. Rugolo attempted to forge a deeper relationship between the companies, even offering to sell his entire company for $200 million, but his proposals were rejected.
Marwan Rammah, a former Apple engineer now working at io, suggested acquiring a large database of three-dimensional ear scans to aid in the development of their device. Although it is unclear if this deal took place, it indicates the exploratory nature of OpenAI and io's research. The companies have now moved on from the idea of an in-ear product, with io's chief product officer stating that they are not working on a custom-molded earpiece product.
OpenAI's lawyers have disclosed that the company is exploring a wide range of devices, including desktop-based and mobile, wireless and wired, wearable and portable. This suggests that the final product may be more complex and innovative than initially anticipated. With Jony Ive's design expertise and OpenAI's AI capabilities, the device is expected to be a significant breakthrough in the tech industry.
The collaboration between OpenAI, io, and Jony Ive has generated significant interest and speculation. Sam Altman has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, calling it the 'coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.' As the development of the device continues, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what impact it will have on the tech industry and beyond.
In conclusion, the recent court declaration has provided valuable insights into the development of OpenAI's first device. With the company exploring various form factors and technologies, it is clear that the final product will be a significant innovation. As the project progresses, it will be exciting to see how OpenAI, io, and Jony Ive's collaboration will shape the future of the tech industry.