New Delhi: OpenAI’s much talked about hardware dream with Apple’s legendary design figure Jony Ive is back in news again. For more than a year, people
in tech circles have been curious about what this mysterious “AI device” could be. Now, a fresh industry report has added some interesting colour to the story.
There is still no official confirmation from OpenAI or Ive’s camp, but the latest leak hints at a product that feels different from the loud AI gadgets we have seen in the last two years. Instead of going for a screen-heavy gadget or a wearable badge, the company may be betting on a simple everyday object.
As many requested, small supply chain updates about Openai / Jony ive hardware project now twice confirmed:
-internal codename is “Gumdrop” 🍬
-project was originally assigned to Luxshare 立讯
-now likely moving to Foxconn after dispute over mfg site locationOpenai does not… https://t.co/gkhogbIb4f
— 智慧皮卡丘 Smart Pikachu (Weibo) (@zhihuipikachu) December 30, 2025
OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device may be a pen-like gadget with audio abilities
According to a popular industry tipster known as Smart Pikachu, OpenAI’s device could take the shape of “a pen” or even a “‘to-go’ audio device.” The report also suggests that Apple’s long-time manufacturing partner Foxconn is likely to build it. This is the same company that assembles the iPhone and even recent Pixel smartphones.
The device is reportedly being developed under the internal name “Gumdrop.” Earlier, it was expected to be manufactured by Chinese electronics company Luxshare, but Smart Pikachu claims there was a dispute related to manufacturing location. That has now pushed discussions toward Foxconn, and Vietnam is said to be the current preferred production base, with a possibility of manufacturing in the United States being discussed as well.
A pen-style design actually sounds interesting. Imagine scribbling something, maybe a meeting note, class note or just a random idea, and the pen directly sending it to ChatGPT. If the audio capability detail also holds true, it may allow users to talk to the device and get responses through a phone or a paired device. In simple words, an AI assistant you can carry without needing yet another big gadget in your pocket.
Standalone AI devices have had a rough journey so far. Products like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 drew attention but struggled with usefulness and consumer love. So if OpenAI goes ahead, this will be more than just a device launch. It will be a test of whether people actually want dedicated AI hardware or if they are still happy with apps on their phones.
Right now, everything remains unofficial and based on credible leaks. But the idea of Jony Ive designing something calm, quiet and deeply functional, paired with OpenAI’s AI backbone, definitely makes this story one to keep watching. The big question now is not just what this device looks like, but whether people really want AI to sit inside something as simple as a pen. Only time will answer that.
