Sam Altman’s latest remarks mark a significant pivot in his vision for the future of AI and hardware — one that acknowledges the growing gap between today’s computing devices and the demands of next-generation artificial intelligence. Just months after suggesting existing systems would suffice, Altman now concedes that a new class of hardware is essential for a truly AI-driven world.
Speaking on his brother Jack Altman’s podcast, the OpenAI CEO stated bluntly that “current computers were designed for a world without AI,” signaling a departure from his earlier hardware-agnostic optimism. He now envisions devices that are highly contextual, environment-aware, and capable of seamless, intuitive interaction — moving away from traditional screen-keyboard models toward ambient, assistive experiences.
This shift coincides with increasing recognition across the tech industry that software innovation alone is not enough to support ever-more sophisticated AI systems. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has echoed similar concerns, citing the limitations of current hardware in achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). The expanding complexity, energy demands, and contextual needs of AI models make clear that hardware must evolve in tandem.
At the core of Altman’s revised strategy is a $6.5 billion collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, a partnership poised to deliver what they’re calling a “third core device.” It won’t be a phone, laptop, or even AR glasses — instead, it’s a screenless, pocket-sized gadget that avoids visual distraction while embedding AI into everyday life. Altman claims this product could break adoption speed records, reaching 100 million users faster than any tech product in history.
Though details remain scarce, it’s expected to leverage voice interaction, environmental sensing, and persistent user context to act as an always-present assistant. This would push AI toward becoming a truly ambient force — proactive rather than reactive, and far more integrated into our routines. Altman also acknowledged this would require unprecedented levels of trust from users, something that could take time to build culturally.
Ultimately, this dramatic recalibration signals the dawn of a new hardware era shaped around AI, not just enhanced by it. And with visionaries like Altman and Ive driving the initiative, the stage is being set for a post-smartphone world where AI isn’t just a tool we use — it’s a quiet, constant companion.
