Jony Ive and OpenAI's New Smart Speaker: What Small Business Owners Should Know

Apple's Jony Ive Teams With OpenAI on Hockey Puck-Sized Smart Speaker Coming in 2027

OpenAI and legendary designer Jony Ive are building a new AI device shaped like a hockey puck—roughly the size of a doughnut—that works as a smart speaker without a screen. The battery-powered gadget is expected to launch in 2027 at a premium price point, according to reporting from Bloomberg. The collaboration marks one of the most high-profile hardware plays from OpenAI as it moves beyond software into physical devices.

For small business owners, this signals an important shift in how AI assistants might work in everyday environments. Unlike smartphones or computers that demand your visual attention, a screenless smart speaker could become an always-on tool for managing tasks, taking calls, and running operations hands-free. As personal AI agents become more prevalent, physical devices like this one could let you interact with AI while you're busy with other work—checking inventory, talking to customers, or managing your storefront.

The real question is whether this device will be affordable enough for small business use or remain a luxury item for early adopters. OpenAI hasn't confirmed pricing, but Ive's track record at Apple suggests premium positioning. If the price lands in the hundreds of dollars rather than thousands, it could become practical for small teams looking to add voice-controlled AI assistance to their workflow. Battery life and sound quality will matter too—a smart speaker that dies mid-conversation won't do you any good during a busy day.

Keep an eye on OpenAI's announcements closer to 2027 about real-world testing with businesses. Early access programs or enterprise pricing could give small business owners a chance to trial the device before full launch.