Jony Ive teams with OpenAI on battery-powered smart speaker

OpenAI, in partnership with former Apple designer Jony Ive, is reportedly developing a new AI‑powered device that will depart from the conventional smart‑speaker form factor. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the product will be a battery‑powered, doughnut‑shaped unit roughly the size of a hockey puck, with no display but a suite of sensors, a camera system and a set of lights that will indicate when the device is listening or responding.

The device is said to feature moving parts that animate on their own to signal interaction, giving it a distinctive aesthetic. Gurman notes that the design is intended to be portable, allowing users to carry it around the home. OpenAI plans to launch the product in 2027, with a price tag projected to exceed $300. The Verge has reported on these details, citing Gurman’s sources.

If the specifications hold true, the new device could broaden the range of AI‑enabled home accessories, offering a more tactile and visually engaging experience than current smart speakers. The combination of Ive’s design pedigree and OpenAI’s conversational capabilities may position the product as a premium option for consumers seeking both functionality and style.