Highlights
- OpenAI is reportedly developing AI‑powered earbuds called Dime.
- It is expected to launch in 2026 with wider availability in 2027.
- A basic audio‑centric wearable may debut first, while a more advanced phone‑like device faces delays due to high component costs and HBM shortages.
(Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash)
OpenAI has already confirmed plans to unveil its first AI-powered hardware in 2026. The AI company is reportedly developing an audio-centric wearable with mass availability expected in early 2027. While details have remained limited, a fresh leak has now revealed possible naming, form factor, and even launch details. Here’s all we know so far.
OpenAI’s First Hardware – “Dime”??
According to tipster Smart Pikachu @zhihuipikachu on X, OpenAI’s debut hardware product may take the form of earbuds. The leak claims the product could be called Dime. The tipster also suggests that OpenAI may initially introduce a simpler version of the device before moving on to a more advanced and ambitious AI-powered product.
Yesterday my good friends at DS report on Weibo that CNIPA国知局 patent filing for Openai hardware become public yesterday for new IP rule for big Usa Ai companys operating in China
Document confirm a detail I am already hearing: consumer name for Sweetpea airpod product will be…
— 智慧皮卡丘 Smart Pikachu (Weibo) (@zhihuipikachu) February 6, 2026
The claims are reportedly backed by a recent OpenAI-related patent filing that surfaced in China. As per the filing, the product name Dime is mentioned, strengthening speculation that OpenAI could start its hardware journey with a pair of basic AI-enabled earbuds.
Advanced AI Device May Face Delays
The tipster also notes that OpenAI’s more advanced ‘phone-like’ device with built-in computing capabilities could be delayed. The reason cited is a shortage of HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), which has reportedly pushed the bill of materials (BOM) cost too high.
Because of this, OpenAI is said to be planning a simpler hardware launch in 2026. The more advanced SKU may arrive later once component pricing becomes more stable.
Earlier, Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, had confirmed that the company plans to build its first AI device later this year. However, he did not share a specific launch timeline or product details at the time.
OpenAI Launches New GPT-5.3-Codex Model
Separately, OpenAI has also rolled out a new AI model for agentic coding, called GPT-5.3-Codex. The model is now available to users on all paid ChatGPT plans worldwide. According to OpenAI, GPT-5.3-Codex is 25 percent faster than its predecessor, with early versions helping the team refine the final release.
The new model is capable of creating complex web-based games from underspecified prompts and can autonomously iterate across millions of tokens.
In addition, GPT-5.3-Codex supports end-to-end software lifecycle management tasks such as writing PRDs, editing copy, conducting user research, building slide decks, analysing spreadsheets and monitoring systems.
FAQs
Q1. What is OpenAI’s first hardware device rumoured to be?
Answer. Leaks suggest it could be AI‑powered earbuds called Dime, expected to launch in 2026 with wider availability in 2027.
Q2. Why might OpenAI delay its more advanced AI device?
Answer. A phone‑like device with built‑in computing is reportedly facing delays due to high costs and shortages of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM).
Q3. What else has OpenAI recently introduced alongside hardware plans?
Answer. OpenAI rolled out GPT‑5.3‑Codex, a faster agentic coding model capable of building complex games and managing end‑to‑end software lifecycle tasks.