OpenAI’s first AI hardware could launch soon: Three devices reportedly in work
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, appears to be gearing up for its long-anticipated entry into consumer hardware. Multiple reports suggest the AI giant is preparing to unveil its first device later this year, marking a major expansion beyond software and cloud-based AI services. Early chatter points to an audio-centric wearable as one of the frontrunners, though OpenAI has not officially detailed the product or its capabilities.
When will OpenAI’s AI hardware ship?
Don’t expect to buy it this year. While OpenAI is reportedly on track to reveal its first hardware in the second half of 2026, commercial availability is not expected in 2026. Instead, reports indicate that shipments could begin in early 2027. Axios reports that OpenAI’s Chief Global Officer, Chris Lehane, has said the company remains on course to show the device later this year, though he did not provide an exact launch or shipping date.
Three devices may be in development
Market rumors suggest OpenAI is collaborating with renowned designer Jony Ive on a suite of AI products—potentially three devices at different form factors. While specifics remain fluid and unconfirmed, the current chatter points to:
- An AI wearable, possibly with an audio-first interface. Despite earlier denials by CEO Sam Altman about a wearable, speculation around such a product continues to build.
- A tabletop AI device designed to be controlled entirely through voice, emphasizing ambient, hands-free interaction.
- An AI-powered pen, hinting at a productivity or creative tool that blends analog familiarity with AI assistance.
Because these products are still in development, their features and use cases are difficult to predict with precision. The earliest claims around OpenAI’s hardware ambitions began surfacing in December and have continued to evolve as prototypes reportedly progress.
Manufacturing and supply chain rumors
In late 2025, industry chatter suggested OpenAI and Jony Ive had moved into vendor selection, with Foxconn rumored to have been chosen over Luxshare as a manufacturing partner. These claims were never officially confirmed, and OpenAI has not commented on supplier relationships. As with any pre-launch supply-chain reporting, details may change as designs, costs, and timelines are refined.
Why this matters
Hardware is becoming a critical battleground for AI companies seeking deeper integration into everyday life. Purpose-built devices can offer faster, more natural interactions—especially voice and multimodal experiences—while enabling tighter control over privacy, latency, and on-device processing. If OpenAI brings an audio-first wearable or a voice-centric home device to market, it would compete with efforts spanning smart assistants, AI-first wearables, and novel input tools.
The success of any OpenAI hardware will hinge on a few key variables: how well it integrates with the company’s AI models, whether it delivers meaningful advantages over phones and PCs, and how it balances usability with trust, security, and cost. Developer support and ecosystem strategy will also be pivotal, especially if OpenAI aims to create a platform rather than a single-purpose gadget.
Bottom line
OpenAI is expected to unveil its first AI hardware in the second half of 2026, with shipments likely beginning in early 2027. Rumors point to three devices in development—including a wearable, a tabletop voice device, and an AI-powered pen—though details remain unconfirmed and subject to change. For now, the timeline is the clearest signal: a reveal later this year, and a longer runway to commercial availability as the hardware and supply chain solidify.
