OpenAI is moving closer to launching its first-ever hardware device.
OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said that the company is "on track" to unveil its first device in the second half of 2026.
Lehane didn't confirm whether the device would go on sale this year.
OpenAI is moving closer to launching its first-ever hardware device. The update came from OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, who said that the company is “on track” to unveil its first device in the second half of 2026, reports Axios. OpenAI has been known mainly for its software, especially ChatGPT. But the company has also been quietly working on hardware. Interest grew last year when OpenAI acquired a startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. At the time, the company offered very few details, but it hinted that something new could be revealed in 2026. A promotional video released during the acquisition said, “We look forward to sharing our work with you next year.”
SurveyReports suggest that OpenAI is testing small devices that may not even have a screen, possibly wearable, designed to interact with users in a simple, natural way.
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Altman earlier described the idea as something very different from today’s smartphones. He has said the device will feel more calm and less distracting, and that people will be surprised by how simple it is. However, whether the device will be worn as a pin, an earpiece, or something else entirely remains unclear.
When asked about specifics, Lehane avoided giving details, reports Axios. He did confirm that “devices” are one of the big coming attractions from the company in 2026. He said he expects to share more information “much later in the year.”
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Lehane didn’t confirm whether the device would go on sale this year, but said that OpenAI was “looking at something in the latter part (2026).” At the same time, he added that this is the “most likely” timing and “we will see how things advance.”
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Ayushi Jain
Ayushi works as Chief Copy Editor at Digit, covering everything from breaking tech news to in-depth smartphone reviews. Prior to Digit, she was part of the editorial team at IANS. View Full Profile
