After years of powering chatbots and software tools, OpenAI is ready to put artificial intelligence into people’s hands—literally. The company announced plans to disclose its first consumer hardware device in the second half of 2026, marking a major shift from software into the physical world.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, confirmed the timeline at Axios House Davos 2026. He emphasized that multiple devices are planned as key offerings for the year. The company is even considering starting sales by late 2026 if everything stays on track.
OpenAI isn’t going it alone. The project brings together former Apple design chief Jony Ive, whose company io Products was acquired by OpenAI in 2025. Ive’s legendary focus on simplicity and elegant design is shaping what these devices will become. His team aims to create experiences that feel calm and intuitive rather than overwhelming. The partnership has also brought former Apple engineers into OpenAI to strengthen hardware design and user interface expertise. AI integration can improve user experience by up to 20%, enhancing predictive and adaptive features.
The first product, codenamed “Sweatpea” or “Sweet Pea,” is rumored to be a screenless companion device. Think of something you can wear behind your ear or slip into your pocket. It reportedly resembles pill-shaped headphones with an egg-shaped case, similar to AirPods. The device would rely on voice interaction instead of a screen, offering a more peaceful way to engage with AI compared to constantly staring at smartphones.
Under the hood, Sweatpea may feature a custom 2-nanometer processor or Samsung Exynos chip for handling AI tasks locally. Manufacturing partners could include Luxshare or Foxconn. OpenAI is reportedly targeting 40 to 50 million units in the first year—an ambitious goal. The device is designed to bring ChatGPT to life for users, helping them respond and perform smart tasks.
This move comes as OpenAI seeks more control over how people access AI. With ChatGPT approaching nearly a billion weekly users, hardware offers a way to reduce dependence on other platforms. But the road ahead won’t be easy. Other AI hardware efforts like Humane’s AI Pin have struggled to find audiences.
Still, CEO Sam Altman has hinted at his vision of simple, calm devices that integrate AI without adding stress. As 2026 unfolds, OpenAI’s hardware bet will reveal whether this vision resonates with everyday users.
