OpenAI is set to launch its first consumer hardware device in the second half of 2026, according to Chris Lehane, the company’s policy chief. This announcement, made at Axios House Davos, follows long-standing hints from CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive. While confirming the timeline, Lehane indicated it remains flexible, emphasizing a formal reveal may occur before any retail launch, likely in 2027. OpenAI has been collaborating with Ive’s design firm on a range of AI-centric hardware products, which reportedly includes small, screen-less devices intended as AI companions. These devices promise a “peaceful” alternative to smartphones and harness advanced audio-model capabilities for interactive experiences. Recent hires, like engineer Janum Trivedi, signal accelerating progress on these projects. As OpenAI pivots from software to innovative consumer hardware in 2026, this endeavor represents a major strategic shift toward developing natural, AI-first interfaces.
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