Highlights
- OpenAI is developing ChatGPT-powered consumer devices, collaborating with Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup.
- The company is recruiting ex-Apple engineers to leverage Apple’s supply chain partners like Luxshare and Goertek.
- The expected devices include a screen-less smart speaker, smart glasses, voice recorder and AI pin.
Caption – (Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash)
OpenAI has been making major moves in the hardware space. The AI company joined hands earlier this year with former Apple designer Jony Ive through an acquisition of Ive’s AI-focused hardware startup, io. While the company has not officially disclosed details of the collaboration, speculation has been growing about a new range of ChatGPT-powered devices.
OpenAI Recruiting Apple Talent for Hardware Push
According to a report by The Information, OpenAI is now actively hiring top hardware engineers from Apple. The recruitment drive has reportedly raised concerns at Cupertino with Apple even cancelling an annual offsite event in China for members of its U.S. and China supply chain teams.
OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, Tang Tan has been persuading Apple employees to join by assuring them of “less bureaucracy and more collaboration” at OpenAI. Interestingly, Tan himself is a former head of Apple’s product design division.
Manufacturing Through Apple’s Supply Chain
The report further notes that OpenAI is leveraging Apple’s extensive supply chain in China to develop its upcoming devices. The company has already signed a contract with Luxshare, one of Apple’s biggest product assemblers responsible for iPhones and AirPods. Luxshare will reportedly handle large-scale manufacturing for one of OpenAI’s consumer products.
In addition, OpenAI has also reportedly approached Goertek to provide components such as speaker modules. Goertek is another Apple supplier known for assembling AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watches.
What Devices is OpenAI Developing?
OpenAI is said to be exploring multiple hardware products. One of them could resemble a screen-less smart speaker, while others may include smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable AI pin.
The company is reportedly targeting a late 2026 to early 2027 release window for its first hardware launch. At least one of these devices is already in the prototype stage and is described as pocket-sized, with context-aware capabilities designed to work seamlessly with OpenAI’s AI models.
FAQs
Q1. What kind of hardware is OpenAI developing?
Answer. OpenAI is working on ChatGPT-powered consumer devices, including concepts like a screen-less smart speaker, smart glasses, a voice recorder, and a wearable AI pin. At least one prototype is pocket-sized and context-aware.
Q2. Who is leading OpenAI’s hardware efforts?
Answer. Tang Tan, OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer and former head of Apple’s product design division, is spearheading the initiative. He’s actively recruiting Apple engineers by promoting a more collaborative work culture.
Q3. How is OpenAI manufacturing its devices?
Answer. OpenAI is leveraging Apple’s supply chain in China, partnering with Luxshare for large-scale assembly and Goertek for components like speaker modules, both key Apple suppliers.