OpenAI AI Earbuds: Launching 2026 with Jony Ive Collaboration
OpenAI has delayed the launch of its first hardware device, designed in collaboration with Jony Ive, until February 2027, according to court filings made public Tuesday. The company had initially aimed to release the artificial intelligence-powered product before the end of 2026.
The delay stems from a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by audio device startup iyO against OpenAI last year. IyO sued after OpenAI acquired io, a design firm founded by Ive following his departure from Apple. The filings reveal OpenAI has similarly decided to abandon any plans to apply the names “io” or “IYO” in connection with its hardware products.
While details about the device remain scarce, previous filings in the lawsuit indicate it will not be an in-ear device or a wearable. Early concepts reportedly envisioned a “third core device” intended to complement smartphones and laptops. Leaks have suggested a pocket-sized, screen-free gadget capable of contextual awareness.
The postponement follows a period of internal challenges at OpenAI. Reports from late last year indicated the project faced difficulties resolving fundamental technical issues, though a prototype existed as of November. The company responded by hiring additional Apple alumni to bolster the development team.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly described a prototype of Ive’s design as “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen” after testing it at home. However, the company has not yet created any packaging or marketing materials for the device.
Rumors circulating on Reddit over the weekend, claiming OpenAI had scrapped a Super Bowl advertisement for the device, have been debunked. The alleged ad featured actor Alexander Skarsgård wearing silver headphones and interacting with a reflective puck-shaped device.
The company initially explored more complex AI-powered devices, but shifted its focus to audio-based hardware due to concerns about production costs and global chip supply constraints, according to reports. The device is expected to function as a hands-free voice interface, enabling real-time responses to user commands.
OpenAI has not disclosed whether the AI processing will occur locally on the device or through a cloud connection. The company confirmed generally that it is developing its first hardware device for release in 2026, but has not provided details on technical specifications, retail pricing, or the final product name.