Thomas Unise
OpenAI has officially decided not to use the name ‘io’ for its upcoming line of AI hardware devices, according to a recent court filing. This decision comes amid an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit filed by audio device startup iyO against OpenAI.
Key Details from the Court Filing
Peter Welinder, OpenAI’s vice president and general manager, stated in the filing that the company has reviewed its product-naming strategy and will not use ‘io’ (or any variation) for its AI hardware products. Additionally, OpenAI revealed that its first hardware device won’t ship to customers before the end of February 2027, pushing back the timeline from its previously announced second half of 2026 launch window.
The filing also disclosed that OpenAI has yet to create packaging or marketing materials for its first hardware device, indicating the product is still in early development stages.
Background on the Trademark Dispute
The lawsuit stems from OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup ‘io’ for $6.5 billion in May 2025, which marked OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date. Audio device startup iyO claims that OpenAI and io executives met with iyO leaders and tested their AI audio technology before announcing the acquisition.
This legal battle has inadvertently revealed more information about OpenAI’s hardware plans than the company likely intended to share publicly. Previous filings related to this lawsuit disclosed that the prototype CEO Sam Altman mentioned in io’s launch video was “not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”
Debunked Rumors
The court filing comes amid circulating rumors about OpenAI’s hardware efforts. A viral but debunked Reddit thread claimed OpenAI had pulled a Super Bowl ad unveiling its forthcoming device. The alleged ad featured actor Alexander Skarsgård wearing silver headphones and tapping a reflective puck. OpenAI spokesperson Lindsay McCallum confirmed to WIRED that the company had nothing to do with the ad in question.
What We Know About the Device
While details remain limited, reports suggest OpenAI’s first prototype is a screenless device designed to sit on a user’s desk, complementing phones and laptops. The company’s partnership with Jony Ive, former Apple design chief, signals ambitious plans in the consumer hardware space, though the extended timeline suggests significant development work remains.
This naming decision and delayed timeline represent significant shifts in OpenAI’s hardware strategy as it navigates both technical challenges and legal complications in bringing its first AI-powered devices to market.
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