When Jony Ive launches a new project, many people immediately take a closer look. This is not only due to his reputation as a legendary Apple designer, but also because he chooses projects very specifically. When the news came out that he was working with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on a new AI device, it was clear: This wouldn't be a standard product. But even though both have officially unveiled the device, its specific form remains unclear. Now there are new clues – and they point to something very specific.
For months, speculation has been circulating about the planned AI hardware device from Jony Ive and Sam Altman. The two announced early on that it would not be a smartphone. And while many initially suspected a wearable like a smartwatch, glasses, or pendant, it has now been officially confirmed: the device is not a wearable. This statement came from an official court filing in which Ten – a company close to Altman – stated that the first product is "neither an in-ear device nor a wearable." This rules out a whole range of conceivable forms. And that's precisely what suddenly makes another suggestion very plausible: a smart pen.
What was previously known
Jony Ive had made it clear that he did not want to launch a competitor to the iPhone with his new device. That would have been surprising - after all, he is one of the creators of the iPhone. So it was clear from the start: no smartphone. Instead, much of the early speculation revolved around smart glasses - an idea that has also since been ruled out. Sam Altman had explicitly ruled out such a solution. The first teaser video for the project also gave hardly any clues. The few seconds of footage seemed deliberately meaningless, but showed that it was supposed to be something completely new - not just a smart pendant, ring or headphones. The well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had suggested for a time that it might actually be a pendant - a kind of modern piece of jewelry with built-in AI. However, this theory has lost a lot of credibility since the official documents removed the device from the "wearables" category.
Why a smart pen suddenly makes sense
A few weeks ago, tech fans began suggesting that the AI device could be a smart pen. A theory that sounded rather speculative at the time, but now seems much more realistic. Sam Altman himself is said to have told OpenAI employees that the device is not worn, but is so unobtrusive that it can easily fit on a desk or in a trouser pocket. It is intended to be a third core device alongside the MacBook and the iPhone. A pen fits perfectly into this picture. It is unobtrusive, portable, and can fit on any desk. Many people – apparently Altman included – always have a pen within reach anyway. And Jony Ive is known for designing products that are both functional and iconic. A stylish pen with built-in AI fits this style perfectly.
What such an AI pen could do
The idea of a smart pen isn't entirely new. There are already smart pens like the Livescribe Pen, which use a camera and microphone to recognize what you're writing and simultaneously record what you're saying. These devices transmit notes digitally and can be connected to apps. But they're not based on true artificial intelligence—and their use is mostly limited to handwritten notes.
An AI pen from Jony Ive could go much further here. A conceivable device would be one that uses a camera in the clip area to capture your surroundings, understand speech, provide you with contextual information, and be controlled by voice input. This would make it functionally similar to a wearable—just without physical contact. You could carry it in your breast pocket or simply place it on your desk. An intelligent docking mechanism is also conceivable. The pen could be charged wirelessly, transfer data, and act like a fine writing instrument in a holder. Old-fashioned in shape, but packed with modern technology. Exactly the kind of contrast Jony Ive loves.
What speaks for it
The idea of a smart pen meets all the criteria that Altman and Ive have made public so far:
- It is not a wearable, but can function similarly to one
- It is portable and discreet
- It can stand on the desk and serve as a core device
- It is innovative and not just another smartphone or watch
- It fits Jony Ives's preference for thoughtful, iconic design
There is currently no other product on the market that meets these requirements and still looks completely new.
Jony Ives' vision takes shape
The evidence is mounting: Jony Ive and Sam Altman's mysterious AI device is almost certainly not a wearable, meaning it's not a pair of glasses or a watch. Instead, a smart AI pen seems the most likely solution. The statements so far fit this pattern perfectly. And even though there's no official confirmation yet, everything currently points to Ive and Altman actually working on a new type of device – elegant, functional, and equipped with artificial intelligence. And you might soon have it on your own desk. Looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront – there you'll find a variety of products from leading manufacturers, including for HomeKit and more! (Image: Shutterstock / Anggalih Prasetya)
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