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Jony Ive's next big thing
Details emerge about the "AI companion" he's building for OpenAI.
Lewis Wallace
May 22, 2025
After yesterday’s shocking announcement of Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s $6.5 billion bromance, new details emerged about the “AI companion” devices that OpenAI plans to launch.
Some info leaked out of Altman’s meeting with employees, during which he described the devices as OpenAI’s “chance to do the biggest thing we’ve ever done as a company.”
Former Apple design chief Ive called the project “a new design movement” away from the screens we know and love on our iPhones and Macs. The device would work alongside those devices and be “fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
Other details come from respected TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (aka the best Apple analyst on the planet).
OpenAI’s “current prototype is slightly larger than the [Humane] Ai Pin, with a form factor as compact and elegant as an iPod Shuffle,” he wrote Thursday. He said the device would utilize cameras and microphones, but no screen.
Read up on everything we know about OpenAI’s mysterious device in today’s lead story.
Also in today’s newsletter:
OpenAI’s secret AI gadget sounds like it won’t be an iPhone killer. But should Apple be worried?
A new wireless video transmitter lets you ditch the HDMI cable. Our hands-on review of the Nyrius Orion Prime finds it impressive (but with a key limitation).
Tired of endless spam calls and emails? I know I am. Incogni, which is sponsoring Cult of Mac Today this week, offers an effective solution to this modern malady — and an exclusive discount for our readers with code CULTOFMAC.
Apple TV+ is prepping a docuseries on one of the greatest directors of all time: Martin Scorsese.
Don’t miss your chance to save on two favorites: the Apple Watch Series 10, which just dropped back to its lifetime low price, and MacPilot, a great tool for customizing your Mac.
On this day in 1997, Apple spun off its Newton division. It seemed like the PDA was flying high, but then … doom!
— Lewis Wallace, managing editor
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Tweets of the day
What form factor do you think makes the most sense for OpenAI’s first AI device? I’m all in for glasses 👓
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin)
9:48 PM • May 21, 2025
I saw filming outside of our office a few weeks ago. Didn't realize I was recording Jony Ive meeting up with @sama for their commercial. I love this city.
— Zach (@nosduhz)
1:09 AM • May 22, 2025
Omg who made this
— Alex Cohen (@anothercohen)
11:03 PM • May 21, 2025
Wallpaper of the day
Smiley #Wallpapers#Trending 4K 🔥 #HD
— iPhone Wallpaper (@GenZWallpaper)
1:43 PM • May 22, 2025
One more thing ...
The difference that Jony [Ive] has made, not only at Apple but in the world, is huge. He is a wickedly intelligent person in all ways. He understands business concepts, marketing concepts. He picks stuff up just like that, click. He understands what we do at our core better than anyone. If I had a spiritual partner at Apple, it’s Jony.
Today’s poll
Would you use an AI device that knows everything about you? |
Results from yesterday’s poll: Will Jony Ive kill the iPhone?
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