io hardware device
Overview
OpenAI's first consumer hardware device, developed with Jony Ive following the ~$6.5B acquisition of io - a screenless, doughnut-shaped, voice-first AI 'companion' roughly the size of a hockey puck, intended to complement rather than replace the smartphone. Not yet launched.
OpenAI has said the device remains on track for a second-half-2026 unveiling, but a July 2026 sworn court filing from VP Peter Welinder - made in OpenAI's trademark dispute with hardware startup Iyo over the 'io' name - states the first device will not ship to customers before the end of February 2027. August 2026 reporting describes the first form factor as a hockey-puck-sized speaker with microphones, speakers, cameras, environmental sensors, status lighting and mechanically moving parts, priced above $300 (likely $300-400), with a wearable/glasses form also under consideration.