OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive are collaborating to develop a new generation of hardware for artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation, the two leaders discussed their shared goal of creating devices that foster a more natural and positive relationship between humans and technology.
Ive, who led the design of iconic Apple products for nearly three decades, explained that his creative team’s purpose became clear with the launch of ChatGPT. He stated that the project is motivated by a desire to create tools that serve humanity better. According to Ive, many people currently have a difficult relationship with their technology, which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. He sees AI not as an extension of these problems but as a chance to address them directly.
Altman described Ive’s design process as uniquely capable of transforming a problem statement into an “obviously right and simple” product concept. When asked about this process, Ive emphasized the importance of motivation and rigorous work. He explained that powerful ideas often start as fragile and tentative concepts that need a trusting and supportive environment to grow. Ive also highlighted the role of craft and care, stating that people can sense when a product has been made with genuine care, even in details that are not obvious.
The primary challenge in this new field, according to Ive, is the extraordinary pace of technological progress. The rapid advancements in AI create a constant stream of compelling product ideas, making it difficult to maintain focus. He noted that his team has generated many concepts and that the main task now is to be judicious in choosing which ones to pursue first.
Looking to the future, Ive questioned whether legacy product forms like the smartphone, which is now decades old, are the right way to experience today’s advanced AI. He hopes the new devices will feel inevitable and intuitive. Ultimately, he said the goal is to create tools that make people happier, more fulfilled, and less anxious, moving beyond a narrow focus on productivity.