Recent developments from a trademark legal dispute have revealed what OpenAI and Jony Ive’s upcoming AI device will not be.
According to court documents filed this month, executives from io—the consumer hardware division acquired by OpenAI from Jony Ive’s design firm for $6.5 billion—stated that the initial product will not be categorized as an “in-ear device” or a “wearable.” Additionally, the team has indicated that the AI device is not expected to launch until “at least” 2026.
Tang Tan, chief hardware officer at io and former Apple design executive, noted in a declaration dated June 16. “The prototype referenced by Sam Altman in a video is still over a year away from being commercially available. The design isn’t finalized, but it will not be an in-ear or wearable device.”
Over the weekend, OpenAI had to retract its public mentions of the io brand (which stands for “input/output”) following a temporary restraining order obtained by an audio startup named Iyo. Iyo contends that OpenAI infringed on its trademark, presenting evidence that includes emails showing that io and OpenAI leaders, including CEO Sam Altman, were aware of Iyo’s product—a forthcoming in-ear headphone referred to as “the world’s first audio computer”—and had sought a demonstration of it.
OpenAI’s opposition to Iyo’s lawsuit, submitted on June 12, outlines that for several months after its inception, io explored existing commercial products and engaged in prototyping across various form factors, from desktop and mobile devices to wired and wireless solutions, including wearables. “During this exploratory phase, io acquired a diverse array of earbuds, hearing aids, and at least 30 different headphone models from many manufacturers,” the submission stated. (TechCrunch’s Maxwell Zeff first reported on these court filings.)
“thanks but im working on something competitive so will respectfully pass!”
While Tan’s statement confirms that the initial hardware from io will not fall into the “in-ear device” category, evidence in the case indicates that this option was indeed considered. An email dated late March sent from io team member Marwan Rammah to Tang suggested acquiring 3D scans of human ears for insight into ergonomics, while another email from Altman earlier that month acknowledged an offer from Iyo to invest in the company, prompting a response: “thanks but im working on something competitive so will respectfully pass!”
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