OpenAI and io working on AI device, potential partnership with SoftBank Group in Japan.

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-23 19:44:00

OpenAI and SoftBank Group announced a partnership to launch AI services in Japan. Legal filings reveal details of OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io efforts to build a mass-market AI hardware device. The first prototype may not be headphones. OpenAI’s CEO mentioned a device fully aware of a user’s surroundings. Several companies are exploring AI-enabled headphones.

OpenAI and io executives have researched in-ear products. OpenAI’s VP of Product and Tan met with iyO’s CEO to learn about their in-ear product. OpenAI and io employees thought they could learn from iyO’s partner. Rugolo tried to deepen the relationship between iyO, io, and OpenAI but largely failed.

Evans Hankey, io co-founder, said io is not working on a custom-molded earpiece. OpenAI may be more than a year away from selling its first hardware device. The company is exploring other form factors beyond in-ear products. Tang Tan, io co-founder, claims the prototype mentioned is not an in-ear or wearable device.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Court filings reveal OpenAI and io’s early work on an AI device