AI Pen: Jony Ive and OpenAI’s Mystery Device Details Leaked

Credits: OpenAI

A tipster disclosed details of OpenAI's hardware project with former Apple designer Jony Ive, describing the device as a pen codenamed Gumdrop.

The leak specified that the "AI Pen" includes built-in cameras and microphones to detect surroundings and allows handwritten notes to be transcribed and sent to ChatGPT.

OpenAI evaluates three products, with the pen as the initial one and a portable audio device for hands-free ChatGPT access as another.

OpenAI acquired Ive's startup, io, for $6.5 billion earlier in 2025 to advance the project let him design products for OpenAI only.

Work on the hardware began in September 2024. Prototypes finalized in November 2025.

The device launch is set for 2026.

Manufacturing shifted from the Chinese firm Luxshare to Foxconn after a dispute over production location.

OpenAI seeks sites outside China, with Foxconn facilities in Vietnam or the United States under consideration.

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said:

“We have the first prototypes. I can’t believe how jaw-dropping good the work is and how exciting it is.”

Jony Ive said:

“I love solutions that teeter on the appearing, almost naive, in their simplicity. And I also love incredibly intelligent, sophisticated products that you want to touch and you feel no intimidation, and you want to use almost carelessly — that you will use them almost without thought.” 

The tipster identified as Smart Pikachu provided the information on December 30, 2025 and shared that there would be 3 devices from which one is a Pen and another is a "to-go" device while the third device is not yet confirmed from any clue, and there's no official announcement from OpenAI about such a device.