OpenAI is on track to announce its first hardware product in the second half of this year, marking a major step in its push beyond software-based AI distribution. Speaking at an Axios-hosted panel at the World Economic Forum, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane confirmed the company’s timeline following its acquisition of io, the startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
Chief executive Sam Altman has previously indicated the device would be more minimal and calm than smartphones, with reports suggesting a screen-free, pocketable form factor. Media reports indicate OpenAI is exploring wearable hardware concepts and potential manufacturing partnerships in Asia. With ChatGPT approaching a billion weekly users, the company aims to gain greater control over how AI assistants are experienced through purpose-built hardware.
