Rumors about OpenAI’s hardware plans have emerged, including a potential launch of earbuds. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo notes that OpenAI might also be developing a smartphone in partnership with MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Luxshare. Kuo, known for Apple hardware insights, reports that OpenAI’s phone could utilize AI agents instead of apps, potentially bypassing the restrictions of traditional app stores. With ChatGPT’s popularity, introducing a hardware product could expand OpenAI’s consumer reach.
This trend isn’t unique to OpenAI, as other tech leaders predict a future with fewer apps. Kuo speculates that OpenAI’s smartphone would focus on understanding user context, offering deeper data insights than apps. The company is set to develop a hybrid of on-device and cloud models for processing various tasks. Specifications and supplier details might be finalized by late 2027, with mass production anticipated in 2028.
Earlier, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane confirmed plans for a 2026 hardware announcement, likely beginning with earbuds. OpenAI did not comment on the current news.