The era when AI becomes the "ear": OpenAI's strategy to break free from screens

In 2025, the technology industry is approaching a quiet turning point. OpenAI’s plans to develop voice-first devices are not just a technological trend but a movement to redefine the relationship between humans and computers. Shifting from screen-centric to audio-centric—major Silicon Valley companies are all turning this helm simultaneously—what kind of future are we heading toward?

Voice Interface Revolution: Major Tech Companies’ Unified Shift

According to reports from The Information, OpenAI is consolidating multiple engineering, product, and research teams to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of audio models. The goal is to introduce audio-first devices between late 2025 and early 2026.

This movement is not isolated. Meta has implemented noise filtering in its Ray-Ban smart glasses equipped with 5-microphone arrays. Google is transforming text searches into audio summaries with “Audio Overviews.” Tesla is integrating large language models like GloVe into vehicles to build voice-command-based assistants. The entire industry is accelerating the shift from visual to auditory interfaces.

Current Consumer Acceptance and Trust-Building Challenges

In U.S. households, more than one-third already use smart speakers. Voice assistants like Alexa and Siri have normalized simple voice commands in daily life. However, moving to more complex conversations, multi-turn interactions, and context-aware support depends entirely on consumer trust.

To promote adoption, what is needed is not just technological innovation but the following elements:

Users seek natural interaction. Models must understand context and nuance. At the same time, hands-free utility—seamless operation during driving, cooking, or working—is essential. Ambient computing is also crucial; AI integrated into daily life without intrusive screens is in demand.

But the fundamental challenge remains privacy and ethics. Always-listening devices require robust data policies and on-device processing capabilities. For public space use, socially acceptable design is necessary. Without these, no technology can achieve widespread adoption.

Jony Ive’s “Companion Philosophy” Insights

Understanding OpenAI’s hardware vision cannot ignore Jony Ive’s influence. The former Apple chief designer, who in May 2024 was acquired by his company for $6.5 billion to join OpenAI, has a clear stance—prioritizing the reduction of device dependence openly.

For Ive, audio-first design is not just a feature but an opportunity to correct the negative societal impacts caused by past consumer gadgets. The goal is to create devices that function as companions, not just tools. Deeply integrated into daily life but not demanding constant visual attention. This is about realizing intuitive, utilitarian AI.

It symbolizes a profound philosophical evolution in human-AI relationships.

The Dawn of Screenless Devices—Current State of Emerging Form Factors

The industry is experimenting with diverse hardware. Humane’s AI Pin, a screenless wearable, was launched but received mixed reviews. Friend AI developed a pendant-style device to record everyday moments—raising privacy and ethical concerns.

Meanwhile, multiple companies, including startups led by Eric Migicovsky of Sandbar and io, are developing AI rings. These devices, aiming for release in 2026, are designed for interaction via subtle hand gestures and voice commands.

The common theme is clear—rejecting traditional screens. We are moving toward an era where homes, cars, wearables, and all environments can serve as interfaces for audio AI.

Balancing Technological Achievement and Social Responsibility

The OpenAI models targeted for 2026 aim to overcome current technical hurdles. They will handle conversation interruptions seamlessly and mimic human dialogue flow. It may even become possible for models to respond while users are speaking.

However, technological innovation alone is not enough. Challenges such as handling complex queries, overlapping speech, and managing background noise remain.

More critically, always-listening in public and private spaces requires a robust ethical framework. This is an issue the industry must actively address. The key to widespread adoption lies in balancing technical capability with responsible implementation. Public trust is ultimately the decisive factor for success.

From Early Adopters to the Masses—Adoption Curve Scenarios

Early adoption of voice-first AI will likely be by experts and tech enthusiasts. But for mass adoption, demonstrating tangible lifestyle benefits is essential. As shown by the proliferation of smart speakers, once consumers experience convenience, rapid growth is possible.

Cross-platform integration is also vital. A consistent experience across home, car, and wearable devices will embed voice interfaces into daily life.

Starting with OpenAI’s device launch in late 2025 and the arrival of advanced audio models in 2026, the question remains: will this lead to liberation from screens or create new issues? Everything depends on how the industry balances ethics and innovation.