After transforming the AI world with ChatGPT, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is setting his sights on a new frontier: hardware. Altman’s latest ambition is nothing short of revolutionary—a device powered by AI that could eventually replace the iPhone.
Described as the most significant leap in consumer tech since Apple’s smartphone, this project could reshape how we interact with digital technology. Altman envisions a product that takes AI from the cloud and puts it in the hands of users in a truly intuitive, personalized form.
Enter Jony Ive: Design Genius Behind the iPhone.
To turn this vision into reality, Altman has enlisted Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer and the creative force behind iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Ive’s ability to merge form and function helped redefine consumer electronics—and now, Altman hopes to channel that expertise into designing the next great device.
The new project aims to blend advanced artificial intelligence with elegant, user-friendly hardware that brings AI closer to everyday life. While official details are still under wraps, the partnership between Altman and Ive has already ignited buzz across Silicon Valley and beyond.
AI at the Center of Consumer Tech
The idea is straightforward: current devices like smartphones and laptops were not built with AI as the core experience. Altman’s goal is to develop a purpose-built platform for AI that enables seamless voice interaction, proactive assistance, and personalized computing without needing to open an app or type a query.
While the timeline for launch remains unknown, early prototypes could still be years away. However, the ambition is already sending a strong signal: OpenAI is ready to compete not only with Google’s Gemini and Apple’s Siri but with the very concept of a smartphone itself.
Competing on the Global Stage
The race for AI dominance is intensifying globally, and Altman knows the stakes. He’s warned that authoritarian regimes could leverage AI for surveillance and societal control. To stay competitive, OpenAI has launched Stargate—a $500 billion initiative in partnership with SoftBank and Oracle.
This project will fund a network of data centres and the development of custom semiconductors, strengthening the U.S. position in AI infrastructure while enabling OpenAI to reduce its dependence on third-party hardware suppliers.
Japan in the Spotlight: Global Collaboration Ahead
Altman recently visited Japan, where he discussed chip collaboration with local investors and tech companies. Speaking to Nikkei Asia, he emphasized the importance of building alliances with Japanese firms to expand AI hardware capabilities.
“There are opportunities to partner with Japanese companies and investors at all levels,” Altman said, highlighting Japan’s leadership in electronics and innovation.
This approach reflects OpenAI’s strategy to globalize its growth and tap into world-class expertise in hardware development, chip design, and AI governance.
Could This Replace the iPhone?
Replacing the iPhone isn’t just about better design or faster processors—it’s about creating a new category of intelligent, assistive devices. If successful, Altman’s AI device could shift how we communicate, work, and access information.
While sceptics note that launching a new hardware category is notoriously tricky, Altman’s record with ChatGPT shows he’s not afraid of big bets. With Jony Ive onboard, this could be the rare blend of technological innovation and aesthetic design that redefines the market.
Final Thoughts
Sam Altman’s vision for an AI-first device that could someday replace the iPhone is bold—but it’s not out of reach. With OpenAI’s leadership in artificial intelligence, Jony Ive’s design brilliance, and a growing list of global collaborators, the foundation is being laid for something game-changing.
Whether this new device lives up to the hype or not, it’s already redefining the conversation around what comes after the smartphone. As AI continues to integrate into every part of life, Altman is aiming to lead not just the software revolution but also the hardware one.
