OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly working on a series of hardware devices designed to keep an AI chatbot within reach at all times. A new report has shed light on what kinds of gadgets may be in development, along with details of the partners helping to bring them to life.
Hardware in the works
According to The Information, several types of products are currently on the drawing board. These include smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, a wearable pin, and a smart speaker without a display. While it is unclear which of these concepts will progress to a finished product, the report suggests that at least one device could make it to market in the next few years.
The companies supporting OpenAI’s hardware efforts reportedly include Luxshare and Goertek, both of which have previously collaborated with Apple to manufacture consumer electronics. Their involvement adds weight to speculation that OpenAI is seeking high-quality partners with strong experience in mass production.
Jony Ive, Apple’s long-serving design chief, has also been linked to the project. Sources quoted by The Information noted that several product executives from Apple have moved to OpenAI, bringing with them years of expertise in building devices at scale.
Timeline for release
The potential release window for these devices is likely late 2026 or early 2027. If the timeline holds, OpenAI may launch one flagship device first, before introducing additional products later.
The strategy focuses on designing AI companions that work alongside existing smartphones, tablets, and laptops rather than replacing them. The aim is to create tools that seamlessly extend access to ChatGPT into daily life, making the AI available on demand without the need to unlock a phone or open an app.
Reports suggest that at least one wearable could operate in an always-on state, ready to answer questions in the usual ChatGPT style. Such a device may also be capable of recording voice memos and conversations for later use.
Learning from past attempts
The concept of portable AI assistants is not entirely new. Previous attempts, such as the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin, failed to make a significant impact in the consumer market. OpenAI aims to avoid the same pitfalls by leveraging its brand recognition, the popularity of ChatGPT, and the expertise of its hardware partners.
While details remain limited, the company’s move into hardware highlights a growing interest in integrating artificial intelligence into everyday devices. If successful, these products could mark a shift in how people interact with AI, turning it from a software-based tool into a constant presence in daily routines.
For now, the technology remains in development, and consumers will likely need to wait until at least 2026 to see what OpenAI ultimately delivers.
