OpenAI is likely to launch its first AI hardware gadget in the second half of 2026. The device is being developed in partnership with legendary designer Jony Ive. It is said to be OpenAI’s most ambitious project yet, beyond software and into consumer hardware.
Some early rumours indicated January 2026 as a launch timeline. But OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the project is “on track” for a late 2026 reveal. Apart from that, Sam Altman has spoken publicly about bold production goals. However, the company is still working through challenges around AI personality, user privacy, and large-scale infrastructure.
While there are limited officially confirmed details about the device itself. But online reports suggest that it will be a compact, screenless gadget focused entirely on contextual AI assistance. Instead of a display, the device is expected to rely on microphones, cameras, and speakers to enable voice-first, always-on interaction. The idea is to let AI understand what is happening around the user and respond naturally. Something like what we have seen with Rabbit R1, but without a screen.
The biggest advantage OpenAI has is that it already has a memory of users. So the device is expected to build a form of user “memory” by collecting environmental signals, helping the AI provide more relevant and timely responses. And it’s not going to replace a phone or a laptop, the new device is likely to get connected with your phone and laptop.
On the design side, the hardware is being shaped by Jony Ive through his firm io, which OpenAI has acquired. Early descriptions compare the device to an iPod Shuffle, hinting at something small, lightweight, and easy to carry. It may be worn around the neck or kept in a pocket, but it is not expected to be smart glasses or a traditional wearable.
Interestingly, this is not the only AI Hardware product from the AI giant. The company is reportedly exploring a range of AI hardware lineups that could include smart glasses, AI pins, and voice recorders. So we might expect an Apple-like ecosystem from OpenAI in the future.
I feel that this launch could be one of the biggest moments in AI hardware so far. ChatGPT reshaped how people think about and use AI software, and OpenAI’s first gadget could do something similar for physical devices. If executed well, it may change how users interact with AI in daily life, moving it out of apps and into the background as a constant, context-aware assistant.
