Marking a cautious step into consumer hardware, OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch AI-powered earbuds as its first device for everyday users.
According to a report by a publication, OpenAI’s initial hardware offering will be a simpler product rather than a fully standalone AI device. The company is expected to make an announcement later this year, with shipments planned for early 2027. At the same time, a more advanced, smartphone-like AI device is said to be delayed due to component shortages and rising production costs, leading OpenAI to prioritise a basic product first.
The AI-powered earbuds have reportedly been referenced in a patent filing in China that has been linked to OpenAI. The company’s first consumer device is being developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, with the project entering the prototyping stage in 2025. Ive has earlier said the device could arrive in “less than” 2 years.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also shared feedback on the development process, saying the latest prototype feels “simple and beautiful,” after earlier versions failed to feel intuitive or easy to use. Both Altman and Ive have indicated that the overall design direction has now been finalised.
As per the report, OpenAI is considering launching the earbuds before moving on to a more advanced AI device. This strategy could help the company enter the hardware space with lower costs and fewer technical challenges.
The earbuds are expected to function mainly as a hands-free interface to OpenAI’s AI models. Instead of working as a full computing device, they may allow users to interact with AI through voice commands, offering real-time assistance while on the move.
By focusing on audio and voice interaction, OpenAI could position the earbuds as a practical extension of its existing software. This would also help the company study how users interact with AI-powered hardware in daily life before building more complex products.
The report also aligns with earlier coverage suggesting OpenAI’s first device will focus on voice and ambient interaction rather than screens. The product is not expected to replace smartphones or laptops, but to work alongside them by offering contextual support throughout the day.
A more advanced AI device, capable of processing data independently, is reportedly facing delays due to shortages of high-bandwidth memory and higher costs. As a result, OpenAI may launch a simpler device in 2026 and push the advanced version to a later date.
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