OpenAI Smart Speaker Priced Over $300, Designed by iPhone Creator Jony Ive with a 'Donut' Shape

OpenAI is accelerating the development of its first consumer-grade hardware product.

On August 6, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI’s smart speaker, shaped like a donut and similar in size to a hockey puck, is planned for official release in 2027, priced between $300 and $400. The company views this as a crucial first step in entering the hardware market and ultimately replacing smartphones.

According to sources cited in the report, the device is being designed by LoveFrom, the studio founded by design master Jony Ive. It will feature high-end metal materials, built-in cameras and sensors, and possess the ability to learn user habits and engage in anthropomorphic interactions.

However, Apple is attempting to block this progress through legal means. Apple has sued OpenAI for trade secret infringement and filed for an injunction this week.

If the injunction is granted, it could directly disrupt the new product launch. OpenAI denies any infringement and has filed a motion to dismiss Apple’s lawsuit.

Apple’s Lawsuit Poses Potential Risks

In its complaint, Apple alleges that OpenAI directed a long-term Apple supplier to develop a metal polishing process similar to Apple’s for its upcoming product, misleading the supplier into believing it had Apple’s authorization.

OpenAI described these allegations as "vague and overly broad" and denied any infringement. In its motion to dismiss filed this week, the company stated:

OpenAI is building something entirely new and fundamentally different from any Apple product.

Patrick Curran, OpenAI’s lawyer, also used strong language in a letter to Apple’s legal representatives, calling Apple’s actions "an attack on ordinary business practices" and pointing out that the situation resulted from Apple’s own procedures and decisions.

It remains unclear whether Apple’s accusations specifically target this ring-shaped device, other products, or a design concept that has already been abandoned.

Sources cited in the report stated that OpenAI launched an internal investigation after Apple’s lawsuit and concluded that the product did not use or infringe upon Apple’s trade secrets.

Despite the legal pressure, OpenAI is continuing to push forward with the device’s research and development at full speed.

Donut Shape Distinct from Existing Market Products

According to sources cited in the report, the device features a ring shape, approximately the size of a hockey puck, making it easy to carry with one hand and move around the home.

Unlike traditional smart speakers on the market that remain stationary, this device is equipped with mechanical components capable of autonomous movement to display response states, giving the product a more "lively" appearance during interactions.

The device is also equipped with speaker grilles, microphones, a camera system, and environmental sensors, along with indicator lights to signal listening status. It features a battery-powered design, supporting various usage scenarios such as handheld use, or placement on nightstands or kitchen countertops.

OpenAI stated that the device’s AI capabilities will surpass the ChatGPT voice mode currently available on its smartphone app, accumulating knowledge about users over time to deliver a more personalized conversational experience.

Jony Ive Leads Design, Pricing Higher Than Mainstream Smart Speakers

The device is being jointly developed by Jony Ive and OpenAI. Ive previously led the design of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch, and is renowned for his minimalist, high-end industrial design style.

Last year, OpenAI acquired a device startup co-founded by Ive, bringing his team onboard.

OpenAI plans to price the device between $300 and $400, which is higher than most smart speakers on the market but lower than the price of a standard iPhone.

OpenAI characterizes it as an "AI-centric computer," aiming to distinguish itself from Amazon Echo and Google Nest series products in both visual style and functional positioning.

From a long-term strategic perspective, OpenAI plans to launch a full lineup of hardware products, viewing the smart speaker as the starting point for market entry.

Currently, other types of always-on AI wearable devices, such as smart glasses, have attracted significant attention due to privacy concerns. In comparison, smart speakers face relatively lower barriers to market entry.