Yesterday, it was announced that OpenAI had acquired Jony Ive’s AI startup to form a new company called “io,” sparking immediate curiosity across the tech world. One of the biggest questions is what exactly this collaboration will produce, especially since early reports confirm the product is neither a smartphone nor smart glasses.
Supply chain analyst and frequent Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo has now shared new information about the device. According to Kuo, the “io” product is expected to go into mass production in 2027. To minimize geopolitical risks, the device will not be assembled in China. Instead, Vietnam is currently seen as the most likely candidate for production and shipping.
Design and Features of the “io” Device
Kuo describes the current prototype as “compact and elegant, like an iPod Shuffle,” and slightly larger than Humane’s AI Pin. The design suggests the device is meant to be worn around the neck, adding to its portability and hands-free convenience.
The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI and Jony Ive plan to manufacture around 100 million units of the AI-powered wearable. This ambitious scale hints at a device with broad consumer appeal, though exactly how users will interact with it remains unclear.
The wearable will reportedly come equipped with cameras and microphones to track environmental and contextual data. Rather than replacing smartphones, the “io” device appears to enhance them by leveraging their existing computing and display capabilities, notes NIXSolutions.
What to Expect Going Forward
There are still many unknowns, including how the device will integrate into users’ daily lives and whether its features will resonate with consumers. The product’s design and capabilities suggest a new kind of AI interaction—one that emphasizes seamless integration with current technology rather than replacing it.
We’ll keep you updated as more details become available and as the project moves toward its planned production date in 2027.