Jony Ive's First OpenAI Device Will Be Smart Speaker With Camera, 2027 Launch Planned

Published on 20 February 2026 MacRumors

Summary

OpenAI, in collaboration with Jony Ive, is developing a smart speaker set for early 2027 release. This innovative device will feature facial recognition, AI integration, and user observation capabilities, aiming to enhance daily routines and interactions.

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Key Insights

What distinguishes this smart speaker's camera features from typical smart speakers?

Unlike passive smart speakers, this device uses its camera for facial recognition similar to Apple's Face ID for secure purchases, observes surroundings to identify objects like items on a table, monitors user behavior to suggest actions such as early bedtimes, and may listen to nearby conversations.

Sources: [1], [2]

How did Jony Ive's involvement with OpenAI begin?

OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's design firm LoveFrom in May 2025, enabling Ive to lead the design of AI hardware including this smart speaker, with prototypes shown by November 2025.

Sources: [1], [2]