Altman and Ive Reimagine the Smartphone

A New Vision of Smart Devices

In a bold bet on the post-smartphone future, Jony Ive and Sam Altman have officially introduced “io”, a groundbreaking AI-driven personal device aiming to pivot away from traditional touchscreen interfaces. The duo, blending Ive’s legendary design ethos with Altman’s AI acumen, is positioning io as a minimalist and intuitive assistant—always on, but never intrusive. The goal: to eliminate device dependency while preserving computing power through ambient AI. The device reportedly lacks a screen, instead using sensors, voice inputs, and subtle projections to interact with users in a more natural and less addictive manner. While still in its early stages, io’s aesthetic and technological ambition signal a serious attempt to redefine how we engage with mobile technology.

Deep Hardware Meets Ambient AI

Backed by Altman’s significant investments and powered likely by an OpenAI foundation model, io aims to integrate advanced AI capabilities into custom hardware from the ground up—akin to how Apple tightly couples software and chip design. Unlike other generative AI ventures that rely on existing platforms or smartphone ecosystems, the io project is taking a vertical approach. The compact, wearable-like device emphasizes unobtrusive interaction with powerful contextual intelligence that scales with use. Sources close to the project highlight its focus on privacy, low energy consumption, and reducing digital distraction. With a founding team of Apple veterans, there’s pedigree—and pressure—for io to live up to its disruptive promise.