Brief Overview
- OpenAI is planning to launch its first hardware device, which is rumoured to be a smart speaker.
- The smart speaker will offer a range of capabilities offered by ChatGPT
- It is expected to be revealed in late 2026 or early 2027.
OpenAI, best known for its AI models, is now stepping into the world of hardware and preparing to launch its first physical product, a smart speaker.
According to a new Bloomberg report, the company’s debut hardware device will be a portable, screenless smart speaker designed to serve as an AI companion for the home.
Here is a brief breakdown of the device’s key functions and capabilities.
OpenAI Speaker Specifications
The speaker is designed to be a new type of home computer for the AI era, serving as a humanlike AI companion that lives in the home.
It can control smart home appliances, play media, answer questions, respond to messages, and tap into the range of capabilities offered by ChatGPT.
Unlike basic smart speakers, this one features a camera and other sensors that help it understand users’ surroundings and context. It also uses more advanced AI models beyond those found on conventional smart speakers.
Moreover, the speaker includes a built-in battery, so it is not tied to a single wall outlet.
While it can remain plugged in a single room, it can also be carried around the house, moved into the laundry room, the kitchen, and later into a living room or bedroom to play music.
A “Living” Design
One of the most distinctive features is that the speaker won’t remain stationary. It has mechanical elements that can move on their own, giving the device a lifelike presence and making interactions feel more natural.
Over time, it is expected to become more personalised and proactive, using a new voice system called GPT-Live to communicate.
Price And Timeline
Reports point to a launch price between $200 and $300, which translates to about INR 18,000 to INR 28,000, putting it above a basic Amazon Echo Dot but below Apple’s HomePod.
There are no official details about the release date, but the device could be unveiled sometime in 2026, with a wider market launch expected in 2027.
The Apple Connection
This project traces back to OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io Products, in May 2025, in a deal valued at roughly $6.4 billion.
Ive, the designer behind the iPhone and iMac, was joined on the project by several former Apple hardware engineers, according to reports.
That connection has now landed OpenAI in legal trouble. Apple recently sued the company, accusing it of stealing trade secrets, including a proprietary metal-finishing technique, and alleging that the misconduct uncovered so far is only the tip of the iceberg.
OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that its product is sufficiently different from anything currently on the market and should not face any legal problems.
Additionally, Apple has also asked the court for an injunction, which could delay or block the device entirely if granted.
The Smart Home Wars Have A New Player
The speaker is reportedly just the beginning. OpenAI is reportedly aiming for around five hardware products in total, as the company looks to build new revenue streams, possibly ahead of a future public listing.
Whether a moving, camera-equipped speaker becomes the breakout hit OpenAI is hoping for, or simply invites more comparisons to Apple’s HomePod, will likely become clearer once the lawsuit plays out and an official product reveal happens later this year.
FAQs
Can OpenAI’s AI speaker move?
Yes, it’s expected to be portable and not tied to a screen, but exact movement details are not confirmed yet.
What features are expected in OpenAI’s first AI device?
It is expected to be screenless, voice-first, and powered by ChatGPT, with cameras and sensors to understand its surroundings.
How much could OpenAI’s AI speaker cost?
Reports suggest it may cost around $200 to $300.
Will OpenAI’s first device support smart home integration?
Yes, reports say it should support smart home controls, but the exact compatibility details are still unclear.
