The Apple designer behind the original iPhone may be working on an artificial intelligence device

Former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive is reportedly developing a generative artificial intelligence (AI) device. Ive is reportedly working with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to build the new device, which is rumored to be inspired by the original iPhone. Notably, Ive was the man behind the design language of the first-generation iPhone, launched in 2007. Ive’s company LoveFrom is said to be responsible for the design aesthetic of this new artificial intelligence device.

Former Apple executive reportedly developing artificial intelligence device

With the rise of generative artificial intelligence, several new devices have been launched on the market. From Humane’s AI Pin to the Rabbit R1, new devices billed as the future of smartphones have been launched but failed to leave a mark. However, with a collaboration between the man responsible for the original iPhone and the creator of the entire generative AI trend, things may be different.

According to the New York Times, Ive was introduced to Altman through Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, who was also one of the early customers of LoveFrom, the former Apple design chief. Details of the project are not yet known.

According to reports, the current project team is small, with about ten employees. But the small list includes veterans like Don Tan and Evans Hankey, both of whom exited Apple last year. It’s worth noting that both Tan and Hankey are involved in the development of the iPhone and other Apple devices.

What is known so far is that the team is developing an artificial intelligence device that offers a less socially disruptive experience than a modern iPhone, according to The New York Times. Interestingly, the AI ​​Pin and Rabbit R1 use the same spacing.

While the technology is being handled by a new team, Ive’s LoveFrom will be responsible for the device’s design language. The team is also said to have built a massive 32,000 sq. ft. office space in San Francisco worth $90 million (approximately Rs. 751.5 crore).

The project is reportedly partially funded by Laurene Powell Jobs’ capital investment firm Emerson Collective, with the rest said to be provided by Ive himself. There’s no word yet on when the product will be available.