Why is OpenAI not using the name 'io' for its AI hardware?

OpenAI is not using the name 'io' for its AI hardware due to a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by audio startup iyO.

When will OpenAI's first AI hardware device be released?

OpenAI's first hardware device is now expected to ship no earlier than February 2027.

What was the acquisition involving Jony Ive's startup?

OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's startup, io, for $6.5 billion in May 2025, intending to create a family of AI devices.

Home / Technology / OpenAI Ditches 'io' Name Amid Lawsuit

OpenAI Ditches 'io' Name Amid Lawsuit

10 Feb

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Summary

OpenAI will not use the 'io' name for new AI hardware devices.
A lawsuit was filed by audio startup iyO over the io acquisition.
OpenAI's first hardware device will not ship before February 2027.

OpenAI has officially stated it will not proceed with naming its forthcoming AI hardware devices 'io' or any variations thereof. This decision is part of an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit initiated by the audio device startup iyO, which sued OpenAI after its acquisition of Jony Ive's startup, also named io.

In a court filing on Monday, OpenAI's vice president, Peter Welinder, confirmed the company's decision to abandon the 'io' naming strategy for its AI hardware products. Furthermore, OpenAI has revised its product launch timeline, indicating that its first hardware device is now slated for release no earlier than February 2027, a shift from previous expectations of a second-half 2026 unveiling.

The company also clarified its stance on a viral, yet debunked, Super Bowl ad featuring Alexander Skarsgård, stating it had no involvement. The lawsuit's details have revealed that the prototype discussed by CEO Sam Altman is not a wearable device. OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's company for $6.5 billion in May 2025 was its largest to date.

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