OpenAI is making its most significant move beyond software by developing its first consumer hardware device. According to Bloomberg reports, the company's debut hardware product will be a screenless portable smart speaker, designed to serve as a human-centric AI assistant within the home.
Technology and Capabilities
The device will leverage ChatGPT and the new GPT-Live voice technology, which supports full-duplex communication (simultaneous listening and speaking). Unlike conventional voice assistants, it will feature a camera and sensors to better understand the user's context and environment. Its capabilities include controlling smart home devices, managing messages, and playing music.
A unique aspect of the device is the absence of a screen, compensated for by autonomous mechanical elements that provide a non-verbal way of communicating and a sense of "character." The assistant is designed to learn user habits and preferences, potentially accessing emails and messages to offer proactive suggestions.
The Jony Ive Connection and Apple Legal Battle
Jony Ive, Apple's former design chief, plays a central role in the product's development. In 2025, OpenAI completed a $6.5 billion merger with io Products, the hardware firm co-founded by Ive. This transition has drawn a lawsuit from Apple, which alleges that OpenAI and former employees utilized confidential information and trade secrets to accelerate their hardware development.
Despite the legal challenges, OpenAI aims for an official presentation in 2026, with a commercial release scheduled for 2027. The long-term strategy involves exploring five different product categories, including wearables and home robotics, with the ultimate goal of creating a portable alternative to the smartphone that prioritizes voice and vision over screens.
