Speculation around OpenAI’s first dedicated ChatGPT hardware has been intense since reports emerged that former Apple design chief Jony Ive is collaborating with CEO Sam Altman. Early rumors hinted at a radically new form factor—possibly a screen-less, pocketable device designed to be context-aware and always present.
However, a new report suggests the first product could be far more conventional. According to sources cited by The Information, one of the earliest ChatGPT devices in development is a smart speaker equipped with a camera. The device may not launch until February 2027 and could cost between $200 and $300.
The report also mentions additional hardware concepts under exploration, including smart glasses and even a smart lamp. The glasses are reportedly further out, potentially arriving in 2028 or later. OpenAI has not publicly confirmed any of these details, and the information comes from anonymous sources, meaning plans could change.
Earlier descriptions of the collaboration between Ive and Altman painted a more ambitious picture. Insiders previously suggested the pair were working on a “third-core” device designed to complement smartphones and laptops by understanding context and surroundings. Altman has reportedly described the project internally as a breakthrough consumer product, while Ive has called it the start of a new design movement.
If the first release does turn out to be a smart speaker, it would place OpenAI directly into an already crowded market dominated by Amazon, Google, and Apple. AI-powered speakers and displays already exist, but their practical everyday uses beyond music, reminders, and simple queries remain limited for many users.
More experimental hardware, such as wearable devices or context-aware assistants, may better reflect the long-term vision for ChatGPT hardware. For now, though, the first step could be something familiar: a voice-driven home device powered by OpenAI’s AI.