OpenAI Plans AI Hardware Launch with Apple Talent and Suppliers

OpenAI is preparing to launch its first AI-native hardware devices by late 2026 or early 2027. The company has strategically recruited over two dozen former Apple employees, including designers and hardware engineers, to aid in this endeavor. These new hires join the team following OpenAI's acquisition of io Products, a hardware startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive.

OpenAI has also secured a manufacturing contract with Luxshare, a major assembler of Apple products, to produce its upcoming devices. Additionally, the company is in discussions with Goertek, another Apple supplier, to provide components such as speaker modules.

The prototypes under consideration include a screen-free smart speaker, glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable pin. These devices are expected to be AI-native, focusing on real-time AI interaction and user context awareness. This move marks OpenAI's significant step into the consumer electronics market, aiming to redefine how users interact with AI technology.