A quiet hardware push is taking shape at OpenAI, following its takeover of io, the low-profile startup founded by Jony Ive under his LoveFrom design umbrella. The acquisition, completed earlier this year, has started to shed light on what io had been building behind closed doors, and the answer is unexpectedly simple on the surface yet ambitious underneath: a pen-shaped device with intelligence baked in, momentum.
| Image credit: StarklyTech
- OpenAI is quietly entering hardware with a smart, AI-aware pen born from its $6.5bn Jony Ive startup acquisition.
- The pen isn’t about writing, but about context, awareness, and AI-driven interaction with the world.
- This pen is just the start, as OpenAI plans more portable, everyday hardware companions.
- Production is likely handled by Foxconn outside China, signalling careful global manufacturing strategy.
- OpenAI wants its devices to become a “third-core” of computing, though past AI gadgets raise doubts.
A quiet hardware push is taking shape at OpenAI, following its takeover of io, the low-profile startup founded by Jony Ive under his LoveFrom design umbrella. The acquisition, completed earlier this year, has started to shed light on what io had been building behind closed doors, and the answer is unexpectedly simple on the surface yet ambitious underneath: a pen-shaped device with intelligence baked in, momentum.
Rather than a traditional writing tool, the pen is described as being aware of its surroundings and usage, hinting at deep integration with artificial intelligence rather than ink and paper alone. With io now folded into OpenAI, the assumption is that the device will rely heavily on AI to interpret context, actions, or environments, even though its exact abilities remain unclear at this stage, speculation.
The pen is only the opening act. Reports suggest OpenAI is developing at least two additional hardware products, one of which is designed as a portable, audio-focused companion meant to be used on the move. Together, these devices are positioned as everyday add-ons rather than replacements for existing tech, expansion.
Manufacturing plans add another layer to the story. Foxconn is expected to handle production, likely through facilities in Vietnam. Luxshare had previously been considered, but the shift reflects OpenAI’s preference to keep hardware manufacturing outside China. There is also talk, albeit slim, of limited US-based production via Foxconn, contingency.
Financially, the io acquisition carried a headline value of $6.5 billion, though it was structured entirely as a stock transaction rather than a cash purchase. OpenAI intends to frame these upcoming devices as a ‘third-core’ layer of computing, designed to sit alongside smartphones and laptops. The concept is not new, and recent attempts such as AI pins have struggled to gain traction, leaving the success of OpenAI’s approach very much an open question, outcome.