OpenAI is reportedly preparing to step into consumer hardware, with its first AI-powered device expected to arrive in 2027.
According to a report by The Information, the company is building a range of smart products, including a speaker, smart glasses and even a smart lamp. More than 200 employees are reportedly working on the hardware push. The first device in line is a smart speaker equipped with a built-in camera.
Comes with a built-in camera
According to the report, the idea is to give the system more awareness of its surroundings.
The camera would reportedly allow the speaker to recognise objects placed nearby and understand conversations happening in the room. It may also include facial recognition for secure payments, similar to the way Apple’s Face ID works.
The report also suggests the speaker could be priced between $200 and $300. If development stays on track, shipping may begin in early 2027.
Smart glasses, lamps and more
The smart glasses are said to follow later, potentially in 2028, entering a category currently led by Meta.
As for the smart lamp, prototypes have been developed, but it is still unclear whether that product will ever reach consumers.
OpenAI’s hardware ambitions gained serious attention last year when it acquired io Products, the startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a deal valued at $6.5 billion.
It’s worth noting that Ive played a major role in shaping Apple’s design language for decades before leaving in 2019. With the acquisition, he is now expected to guide OpenAI’s hardware design direction.
That said, progress has not been smooth. Reports point to technical challenges, privacy concerns and the heavy computing requirements needed to power AI devices at scale.
