September 20, 2025

news  
openai, apple and microsoft Updates

OpenAI is making a significant push into consumer hardware, partnering with Luxshare, a key supplier for Apple, to develop a pocket-sized, context-aware AI device. This initiative, bolstered by the acquisition of Jony Ive's hardware startup and the recruitment of former Apple engineers, aims to create "AI-native" products that could challenge the dominance of smartphones. Potential devices, with a possible launch by late 2026 or early 2027, include a screen-free smart speaker, glasses, and a wearable badge. Meanwhile, Microsoft is heavily investing in AI infrastructure, committing an additional $4 billion to a second AI data center in Wisconsin, bringing its total investment in the state to over $7 billion. This facility, set to house NVIDIA GPUs, will complement its existing center and is projected to host one of the world's most advanced AI supercomputers. The broader tech industry is pouring an estimated $400 billion into AI infrastructure this year, with projections reaching $2 trillion by 2028, sparking debate about AI's economic impact and potential to accelerate innovation. On the cybersecurity front, Cyberhill Partners has launched Wolverine, an AI tool designed to provide businesses with a clear overview of their security systems. Dell Technologies is also enabling AI at scale with its AI Factory and related platforms, developed with partners like NVIDIA, to help organizations move AI deployments from pilot to production. In education, Cal State Fullerton faculty have developed an AI-powered mock interview bot to help students prepare for job interviews, with plans for wider distribution. The potential societal impact of AI is also being discussed, with Zoom CEO Eric Yuan suggesting AI could lead to three-day workweeks by automating mundane tasks. However, concerns about AI's risks, including potential extinction and manipulation, are being debated, alongside the practical challenges of its use, as seen in a recent case where lawyers were punished for submitting AI-generated fictitious legal citations to court.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI is developing pocket-sized AI hardware devices, partnering with Apple supplier Luxshare and recruiting former Apple talent, with potential launches by late 2026 or early 2027.
  • Microsoft is investing an additional $4 billion in a second AI data center in Wisconsin, bringing its total state investment to over $7 billion, aiming to build an advanced AI supercomputer with NVIDIA GPUs.
  • Tech companies are collectively spending an estimated $400 billion on AI infrastructure this year, with projections to reach $2 trillion by 2028.
  • Cyberhill Partners launched Wolverine, an AI-powered digital twin to help businesses analyze and optimize their cybersecurity systems.
  • Dell Technologies is offering AI platforms, including its AI Factory, to help companies scale AI deployments from pilot to production, working with partners like NVIDIA.
  • Cal State Fullerton faculty created an AI mock interview bot, 'GPIT', to help students prepare for job interviews, with plans for free distribution next summer.
  • Zoom CEO Eric Yuan suggests AI could enable a three-day workweek by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Concerns about AI's potential risks, including extinction and manipulation, are being debated, alongside discussions on its transformative economic potential.
  • A judge punished lawyers for submitting court documents with fictitious legal citations generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the need for AI output verification.
  • The United States needs to rebuild its industrial base, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, with Intel noted as the nation's only advanced logic chip manufacturer crucial for national security.

OpenAI plans pocket-sized AI device with Apple supplier

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is working with Luxshare, a major supplier for Apple, to create a new AI-powered hardware device. This comes after OpenAI acquired a startup founded by Jony Ive, Apple's former design chief. The device is expected to be small, pocket-sized, and offer a new way for people to interact with AI, potentially competing with smartphones. Luxshare's manufacturing expertise will help OpenAI produce the device at scale.

OpenAI partners with Apple supplier Luxshare for AI hardware

OpenAI has partnered with Luxshare, a company that assembles devices for Apple, to create a new consumer AI hardware device. This prototype is designed to be pocket-sized and context-aware, working closely with OpenAI's AI models. The move signals OpenAI's ambition to enter the hardware market beyond just software. Luxshare's experience in large-scale manufacturing will be crucial for this project.

OpenAI taps Apple supplier Luxshare for new AI device

OpenAI has signed a deal with Luxshare, an assembler for Apple products, to manufacture a new consumer AI device. This pocket-sized, context-aware gadget is being developed to work closely with OpenAI's artificial intelligence models. The partnership with Luxshare, known for making iPhones and AirPods, aims to challenge the dominance of smartphones by offering a new way to interact with AI. OpenAI also acquired Jony Ive's hardware startup earlier this year, further emphasizing its move into hardware.

OpenAI and Luxshare team up for new AI hardware

OpenAI has partnered with Luxshare, a key assembler for Apple devices, to manufacture a new consumer hardware device. This context-aware, pocket-sized prototype is designed to work closely with OpenAI's AI models like ChatGPT. This collaboration follows OpenAI's acquisition of io Products, a hardware startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Luxshare's experience in producing millions of iPhones and AirPods will be vital for scaling production.

OpenAI and Jony Ive plan AI gadgets for 2026 launch

OpenAI is planning to release AI hardware gadgets, potentially including a smart speaker without a screen, in collaboration with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive. The company has contracted with Apple manufacturers Luxshare and Goertek for components. These devices, which could also include glasses and a wearable badge, are expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027. This initiative is part of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's vision for a family of AI-native devices.

OpenAI recruits Apple talent for AI hardware push

OpenAI, led by Jony Ive, is actively hiring former Apple employees, including designers and engineers, to accelerate its AI hardware development. The company is also partnering with Apple suppliers like Luxshare and Goertek for manufacturing. OpenAI is exploring various devices such as a digital voice recorder and a wearable pin, with a potential launch in late 2026 or early 2027. This strategy aims to create AI-native products that challenge existing consumer electronics.

OpenAI's first AI device may resemble Apple products

OpenAI is developing its first AI hardware devices, drawing heavily on Apple's design and manufacturing strategies. The company has hired numerous former Apple employees and is working with Apple suppliers like Luxshare and Goertek. Prototypes reportedly include a screen-free smart speaker, with other possibilities like glasses and a wearable pin. These devices are targeted for a late 2026 or early 2027 release, aiming to create 'AI-native' products.

OpenAI hires Apple engineers for AI hardware, eyes smartphone market

OpenAI is expanding into hardware by hiring dozens of engineers and designers from Apple, following its merger with Jony Ive's firm. The company is partnering with Apple supplier Luxshare to assemble AI devices, aiming to create context-aware gadgets that could rival smartphones. OpenAI is also engaging other Apple component manufacturers to build its AI-native products, with potential releases by late 2026. This move signifies a significant push into consumer electronics.

Microsoft invests $4B in second Wisconsin AI data center

Microsoft is investing an additional $4 billion in a second AI data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, bringing its total investment in the state to over $7 billion. This new facility will complement the first $3.3 billion data center, set to be completed in early 2026. Together, these centers will house what Microsoft claims will be the world's most advanced AI supercomputer, utilizing NVIDIA GPUs. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs and thousands of construction roles, while also boosting local education through partnerships with Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Microsoft to build second AI data center in Wisconsin

Microsoft will invest $4 billion over three years to build a second AI data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, increasing its total investment in the state to over $7 billion. This new facility will be similar in scale to the first $3 billion data center, Fairwater, which is expected to be completed in early 2026 and will house powerful NVIDIA GPUs for training AI models. Microsoft is also partnering with Gateway Technical College to create Wisconsin's first Datacenter Academy to train students for data center roles.

US must rebuild industry for AI dominance

The United States needs to rebuild its industrial base, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, to maintain leadership in artificial intelligence. Intel is highlighted as the nation's only advanced logic chip manufacturer, and its success is crucial for national security. The article warns that American investment firms are channeling billions into Chinese tech companies that support China's military objectives. Re-establishing domestic manufacturing capacity for semiconductors is presented as essential for economic and national security.

Is AI investment worth the cost?

Tech companies are spending an estimated $400 billion on AI infrastructure this year, with projections to reach $2 trillion by 2028. This massive investment raises questions about its economic return and the nature of AI itself. Economists are debating whether AI is a 'general-purpose technology' like steam power or electrification, or something more transformative that could fundamentally alter economic growth by enhancing research and innovation. The potential for AI to accelerate innovation and lead to sustained high growth rates is a key topic of discussion.

AI mock interview bot to help students land jobs

Cal State Fullerton faculty have developed an AI-powered mock interview bot called 'Generative Practice Interview Trainer' (GPIT) to help students prepare for job interviews. Funded by a $150,000 grant, the tool will be offered for free to California State University campuses and others next summer. The bot aims to provide realistic practice and close opportunity gaps by offering authentic interview experiences. It will be piloted this academic year to ensure it is accessible, ethical, and free from bias.

Cyberhill launches Wolverine AI tool for cybersecurity

Cyberhill Partners has launched Wolverine, an AI-powered digital twin designed to provide businesses with a clear overview of their cybersecurity systems. The tool helps identify wasted spending, coverage gaps, and areas of strength within an enterprise's security stack, which often includes dozens of products. Wolverine connects cost and coverage data, offering insights into feature overlap, security gaps against frameworks like MITRE, and resource shortages. It aims to simplify the complex cybersecurity landscape for leaders and boards.

Dell Technologies powers AI at scale with new platforms

Dell Technologies is helping companies scale their AI deployments with its AI Factory, Data Lakehouse, and AI Data Platform, developed with partners like NVIDIA. These platforms aim to move organizations from AI pilots to production by providing integrated infrastructure, streamlined data management, and accelerated model deployment. New capabilities include an unstructured data engine for handling documents and videos, and GPU-accelerated servers for complex AI workflows. Dell's approach also addresses data gravity challenges and supports on-premise deployments for sensitive industries like healthcare and finance.

Zoom CEO: AI could lead to 3-day workweeks

Zoom CEO Eric Yuan believes that widespread adoption of artificial intelligence could soon enable a three-day workweek. He suggests that AI will handle mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more important work. This idea aligns with similar sentiments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Bill Gates, who have also proposed that AI could lead to shorter workweeks by increasing efficiency and freeing up employee time.

AI doomsayers' warnings debated

Two letters to the editor discuss the warnings about artificial intelligence. One writer, referencing Eliezer Yudkowsky and Geoffrey Hinton, expresses concern that AI could lead to extinction and manipulation, noting how AI already influences purchasing behavior. The other writer argues that humanity will not abandon AI, drawing parallels to nuclear weapons and nuclear power, suggesting that while dangers exist, apocalyptic scenarios often fail to materialize. Both acknowledge the potential risks of AI development.

Judge punishes lawyers for using AI in court

A judge has imposed a unique punishment on two lawyers who used ChatGPT to draft court documents containing fictitious case citations. Instead of just monetary sanctions or referral to the bar, Judge David Hardy offered them the choice to pay $2,500 each or write to their law school deans and bar officials explaining their mistake and volunteer to speak on AI and professional conduct. This case highlights the risks of lawyers relying on AI without verifying its output, a recurring issue judges are increasingly addressing with strict measures.

Sources

AI hardware OpenAI Luxshare Apple supplier Jony Ive consumer electronics AI devices smartphones AI models manufacturing Microsoft data centers Wisconsin AI supercomputer NVIDIA GPUs semiconductor manufacturing US industry AI investment economic growth general-purpose technology AI job preparation mock interview bot cybersecurity AI tools Dell Technologies AI platforms AI Factory Data Lakehouse AI Data Platform AI deployment workweek reduction AI ethics AI risks AI regulation ChatGPT legal tech AI in law