As it prepares to enter the hardware space, OpenAI has assembled a high-profile design team to support its ambitions. The company sealed a $6.5 billion deal last year to acquire “io”, a startup created by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive, bringing him and his team in-house.
The group, responsible for some of Apple's most recognisable products, is now focused on building an AI-powered device for OpenAI. Fresh information has begun to shed light on the likely timeline for its long-awaited reveal.
Speaking to Axios, OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, said the company remains "on track” to unveil its first product in the latter half of 2026. The remarks offer the clearest indication yet of when OpenAI's long-rumoured hardware may see the light of day. While chief executive Sam Altman has repeatedly hinted at an AI-focused device, concrete details have so far been limited.
Lehane avoided putting a firm date on when OpenAI's hardware would reach the market. As per an Android Central report, sales may not begin until 2027, even if the product is unveiled in 2026.
According to the Axios report, the company was "looking at something in the latter part [of 2026]."
Details about OpenAI's closely guarded move into consumer hardware have emerged only gradually since the announcement made in May 2025 about releasing the company's first hardware product.
According to The Wall Street Journal, CEO Sam Altman told staff that he and Jony Ive are aiming to ship as many as 100 million devices. The report adds that Altman characterised the project as a potential game-changer for the company.
Posting on X, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he anticipates the product will begin mass manufacturing in 2027.
In November 2025, at Emerson Collective's Demo Day, Sam Altman and Jony Ive revealed they already had working prototypes of the forthcoming device and anticipated beginning production within the next two years, according to 9to5Mac.
Most recently, The Information revealed that OpenAI is intensifying development on its audio-oriented models ahead of the release of its first hardware product. The product is reportedly designed without a display, instead relying on voice input to guide user interaction.
Current insights suggest that OpenAI could introduce its hardware before the close of 2026, with general availability likely scheduled for 2027.
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