Jony Ive’s New AI Device Gains Laurene Powell Jobs’ Support, Aiming to Redeem Tech’s Unintended Consequences

Jony Ive’s latest project, a mysterious AI device developed in partnership with OpenAI, has received a significant endorsement from Laurene Powell Jobs. During a recent interview with The Financial Times, the duo reflected on Ive’s time at Apple, where he worked closely with Powell Jobs’ late husband, Steve Jobs. They discussed their aims to address the "unintentional" harms often linked with past technological advancements, particularly those related to smartphones. “Many of us have an uneasy relationship with technology today,” Ive observed, emphasizing that the drive behind his current collaboration with OpenAI is rooted in a belief that “humanity deserves better.” Back in May, he spoke about his desire to mitigate the unintended consequences of the iPhone, such as screen addiction and social media overuse. Ive reiterated this sentiment, stating that every innovation brings unanticipated results. “When you create something new, there will always be unforeseen consequences—some positive, others negative. While many of these less favorable outcomes were not intended, I still feel responsible. This sense of duty fuels my motivation to contribute positively and be useful.” Powell Jobs, who has maintained a close friendship with Ive since Steve Jobs’ passing in 2011, shares his concerns. “There are dark uses for certain types of technology, even if they weren’t designed to have that result,” she noted. Her investment in both Ive’s LoveFrom design studio and his hardware startup, io, underscores her continued support and belief in his vision. LoveFrom, which wouldn’t exist without Powell Jobs’ involvement, has now seen its io company acquired by OpenAI for nearly $6.5 billion. If the upcoming device is as successful as the iPhone, Powell Jobs could see substantial financial gains. However, the specifics of the gadget remain under wraps; neither Ive nor Powell Jobs offered additional details during the interview. What is clear, though, is their shared excitement about the creative process. Powell Jobs described witnessing the transformation of ideas into tangible products, from initial thoughts and sketches to sophisticated prototypes. “Just watching something brand new come to life is a wondrous thing to behold. Every iteration surprises me, and each one is better than the last,” she remarked. This new venture represents a pivotal step for both Ive and Powell Jobs, blending cutting-edge AI with thoughtful design to potentially redefine our interaction with technology. Their commitment to addressing the negative aspects of previous innovations and their confidence in the positive impact of this project highlight a determined effort to shape a better technological future.