Trademark lawsuit linked to OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive-founded io has exposed the revised 2027 launch timeline
OpenAI has dropped plans to use the “io” name and has not yet created any packaging or marketing material
The device is expected to be a screen-free, pocket-sized “third core device,” not a wearable or in-ear product
OpenAI’s long rumoured first consumer hardware product, which is under development in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive will take longer to hit the retail shelves than initially expected. The new court documents indicate that the device is now unlikely to ship before late February 2027, pushing its debut well beyond the company’s earlier internal target.
SurveyAccording to reports, the revised timeline resulted from filings related to an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit brought by audio startup iyO. The legal dispute arose following OpenAI’s acquisition of io, an Ive-founded hardware-focused startup, and has mistakenly revealed new details about OpenAI’s hardware plans.
As per the filing, OpenAI has not created any packaging, branding, or marketing materials for the upcoming device. The company has also confirmed that it has abandoned plans to use the “io” name, or any variation thereof, in connection with its AI-enabled hardware, presumably to avoid further trademark complications.
Also read: Apple’s new MacBook Pro laptops get revised launch timelines: All details
While OpenAI has remained tight-lipped about the product, previous lawsuit-related disclosures indicate that the device will not be wearable or in-ear. Instead, it has been described internally as a ‘third core device’ that will supplement a laptop and smartphone and can be used on a desk or in a pocket. Previous reports suggest that the product will be screen-free, small in size, and capable of comprehending its user’s environment and daily context.
The court filing follows recent online speculation that OpenAI was planning a high-profile unveiling during the Super Bowl. Those rumours, which began with a now-deleted Reddit post claiming the existence of a teaser ad, have since been debunked. The alleged video of Alexander Skarsgård interacting with a futuristic puck-like device quickly gained traction on social media before being debunked.
For now, OpenAI’s first foray into hardware remains firmly under wraps, with its public debut still at least a year away.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
