Altman: "Developing AI-Dedicated Device to Replace Smartphones"

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Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is pushing forward the development of a dedicated generative artificial intelligence (AI) device to replace smartphones. It is expected to bring about a digital device innovation for the first time in about 20 years since the launch of the Apple iPhone in 2007.

On the 3rd, Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported that Altman made this announcement during an interview held on the 27th of last month.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is having a conversation at the 'K-Startups meet OpenAI' event hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups on the 9th at 63 Square, Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Altman revealed the news of the AI device development, which had not been disclosed before, saying, "We will promote it through partnerships." He plans to collaborate with ‘LoveFrom,’ a startup founded by the genius designer Jony Ive, who designed Apple’s flagship products such as the iPhone and iPod. It is expected to take several years until a prototype is unveiled. Ive had previously stated in an interview with The New York Times (NYT) last year that he was working on an AI hardware project with Altman.

Altman said, "AI fundamentally changes the way we interact with computers, so a new device is necessary," adding, "Voice (operation) will be key." Just as Apple revolutionized the user interface (UI) of the computer era by enabling finger touch on smartphones, he explained that they aim to implement a user environment (UI) optimized for AI through voice control.

Nikkei interpreted this as a strategy to lead the AI era through AI devices, similar to how Google dominated the internet era with its dual strategy of software and hardware.

Regarding semiconductor development for generative AI, Altman stated, "We are pursuing it in-house." Although he avoided specific details, Nikkei explained that it appears OpenAI will use self-designed semiconductors in its data centers as well.

Recently, China’s DeepSeek claimed to have developed an AI with performance comparable to OpenAI’s ‘o1’ at a lower cost, causing a global sensation. Altman described DeepSeek as "definitely a good (AI) model," but added, "It’s not new. OpenAI has had models at this level for some time, and we will continue to create even better models."

Regarding China’s AI development capabilities, he evaluated that "they are catching up to the United States considerably," but warned that "authoritarian countries could misuse AI to strengthen their regimes."

Last month, OpenAI announced a joint venture called ‘Stargate’ to build AI infrastructure with investments totaling $500 billion (approximately 730 trillion won) from Oracle and SoftBank Group. Altman said, "Stargate is a massive business that covers AI infrastructure from upstream to downstream," adding, "We can collaborate at all levels, including semiconductors."

Unlike former President Joe Biden, U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting AI investment through deregulation. Altman explained his support for the Trump administration’s AI policy by saying, "U.S. leadership in AI development benefits the entire world," and "President Trump understands the importance of infrastructure construction."

Regarding concerns about AI safety due to deregulation under the Trump administration, Altman proposed the creation of an international organization to oversee the safety of development processes. Citing examples such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said, "There have been international frameworks for important technologies before, and AI is no different. Discussions will become more active going forward."