2026-01-20 12:05:54
OpenAI is reportedly on track to unveil its first-ever physical device in the second half of 2026. According to Axios, the ChatGPT company has internally identified hardware as one of its major focus areas for next year, marking a significant step beyond its software-first AI strategy.
Chris Lehane, chief global affairs officer at OpenAI, reportedly said the organization is “looking at something in the latter part of 2026,” while cautioning that the timeline is not yet locked in.
He declined to share details about the form factor or functionality, but said updates would come “much later in the year”.
The device has been the subject of intense speculation since OpenAI acquired the hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive in 2025.
At the time of the deal, Ive’s team suggested their first joint product would be revealed in 2026, fuelling expectations that OpenAI was preparing a consumer-facing alternative to the smartphone.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously hinted that the device will be deliberately simple and less intrusive than modern phones, describing it as more “peaceful” and natural to use.
Reports have suggested the company has explored small, screen-free concepts, potentially including wearable or audio-focused devices, though OpenAI has not confirmed any of these claims.
The timing places OpenAI amid a broader industry push to define what post-smartphone AI hardware looks like.
Early efforts such as Humane’s AI Pin struggled to gain traction, but conditions may now be more favourable.
Speaking separately at the World Economic Forum, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said around 10 million AI-enabled smart glasses are already shipping each year, with volumes expected to grow rapidly.
Amon confirmed that Qualcomm is working with OpenAI, though he stopped short of confirming whether its chips would power the upcoming device.
Visit Bang Premier (main website)
