If you’ve been expecting OpenAI to unveil a smartwatch or smart glasses next, think again. The company behind ChatGPT is planning something quite different. This AI-powered device doesn’t have a screen and isn’t meant to be worn, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared with employees on June 5 that the company’s following big product won’t be a wearable.
Instead, the company is working on a compact gadget that fits easily on your desk or in your pocket. Thanks to built-in sensors and AI capabilities, it won’t have a display but will be fully aware of its surroundings. Altman described it as an “AI companion” that could serve as a “third core device” alongside your MacBook and iPhone.
A new kind of AI product is in the works
Altman’s comments came shortly after OpenAI announced a major acquisition. The company is buying a startup called io, founded in 2023 by former Apple designer Jony Ive. The deal, worth US$6.5 billion in equity, brings Ive on board in a key creative and design role. He is expected to play a big part in shaping what this new device will look like and how it will work in everyday life.
The goal is ambitious. Altman believes this new AI device could eventually lead to a brand-new category of technology—neither a phone nor a wearable nor smart glasses. He thinks it could add as much as US$1 trillion to OpenAI’s market value if it succeeds. That’s a bold prediction, but it reflects the scale of the company’s vision.
The device is still under wraps, and details are limited. However, the idea is to create something that blends into your daily routine while offering smart, helpful support—like having your assistant always ready and aware of what’s happening around you.
Tight security, but a leaked recording sparks concern
During the internal meeting, Altman stressed the need for secrecy. With so much riding on this device, he warned employees that it’s crucial to keep details under wraps to avoid tipping off rivals who might try to copy the idea before it launches.
However, despite his warning, Altman’s remarks were recorded in The Wall Street Journal. This has sparked questions about trust within OpenAI’s team. How will the company protect future plans if confidential information leaks this easily?
The leak also raises bigger concerns about how much more Altman will be willing to share with his staff going forward. Trust and internal communication are vital when building a revolutionary product. Now, OpenAI may need to tighten its internal controls to protect what it sees as its next big step in the AI race.
Whether you can see or use this new AI companion remains a mystery. However, one thing is clear: OpenAI is setting its sights beyond the usual tech gadgets. It wants to reshape the way you interact with artificial intelligence—starting not on your wrist or face but from your desk or pocket.
