OpenAI LP Chief Executive Sam Altman and Jony Ive, Apple Inc.’s former top product designer, have reportedly discussed the possibility of building an artificial intelligence device.

The Information reported the potential hardware project late Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. The initiative is said to be in an early stage. It’s believed that key details such as the device’s features and target market have not yet been finalized. However, the Financial Times Wednesday described it potentially as an “iPhone for artificial intelligence.”

SoftBank Group Corp. CEO Masayoshi Son is reportedly involved in the discussions. SoftBank has raised more than $100 billion for two investment vehicles, Vision Fund 1 and Vision Fund  2, that focus on backing emerging technology companies. After a few quarters of tempered dealmaking, SoftBank signaled in June that it would start ramping up its technology investments with a particular focus on AI.

Son’s reported participation in the discussions about the AI device raises the possibility that SoftBank might back the project further down the road. However, The Information’s sources said that it’s “unclear if he will remain involved.”

OpenAI’s effort to monetize its AI models currently focuses mainly on the enterprise market. As a result, it’s possible the hardware product Altman and Ive have been discussing will target business use cases. In theory, such a product could take the form of anything from a productivity device for workers to a data center system that allows companies to run OpenAI models on-premises.

Ive is best known for designing consumer devices, notably iPhones. But the former Apple executive has also worked on a range of other projects over the course of his career. He helped develop the blueprints for Apple Park, the iPhone maker’s corporate headquarters, and in 2021 reportedly teamed up with Ferrari S.p.A. to help the automaker design an electric car.

It’s also possible Altman and Ive may seek to develop a consumer-focused AI device. Altman is an investor in Humane Inc., a company that develops AI-powered wearables. The company’s first device features a built-in projector and can reportedly perform many of the same tasks as a smartphone.

Humane raised $100 million in March from Altman and other investors to support product development initiatives. At the time, it announced a partnership with OpenAI to make the latter company’s AI models available on its wearables.

Altman worked with another Apple designer, Thomas Meyerhoffer, to create the Worldcoin Orb before reportedly teaming up with Ive to explore the possibility of a new AI device. Meyerhoffer was recruited to Apple by Ive. During their time at the iPhone maker, the two designers reportedly collaborated on multiple projects including the development of the iMac’s chassis.

Image: OpenAI