OpenAI Steps Beyond Software: Developing Its First AI Device

**OpenAI** is actively developing its first consumer hardware device, marking a major shift from its software-centric focus on models like ChatGPT and GPT series. The project, in collaboration with legendary Apple designer **Jony Ive** (following OpenAI’s 2025 acquisition of Ive’s startup io for $6.5 billion), aims to create AI-native hardware that integrates intelligence more seamlessly into daily life—potentially screenless, ambient, and voice/context-driven.

Key updates from recent reports (as of February 2026):
– OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer **Chris Lehane** stated in January 2026 at Davos (Axios House) that the company is “on track” to **unveil** its first device in the **second half of 2026**, with possible news later in the year.
– However, a February 2026 court filing (amid a trademark dispute over the “io” name, which OpenAI has abandoned for hardware) revealed the device **won’t ship to customers before the end of February 2027**. This delays full availability beyond initial expectations.
– The company has a team of over 200 working on a “family” of devices, with the first likely a **moderately priced AI-powered smart speaker** ($200–$300 range), per The Information. Other speculation includes earbuds (codenamed “Sweet Pea,” with unique design and local AI processing on custom 2nm silicon) or a desk companion device that complements phones/laptops without a screen.
– Prototypes emphasize simplicity, “peaceful and calm” interaction (per Sam Altman), and on-device capabilities to reduce cloud reliance.

No official design, features, pricing, or exact release date has been confirmed by OpenAI—details remain closely guarded. The move positions OpenAI against competitors like Apple (exploring AI wearables/pins) and others betting on hardware to make AI more personal and accessible.

This hardware push signals OpenAI’s ambition to own the full user experience, potentially redefining AI interaction beyond apps and chat interfaces. Excitement is high in tech circles, though delays highlight typical challenges in pioneering new categories.