OpenAI appears poised to step beyond software and into consumer hardware, with the company’s policy chief confirming that its first-ever device is on track to be unveiled in the second half of 2026. The comments, made Monday by Chris Lehane at Axios House Davos, mark the clearest timeline yet for a product long teased by CEO Sam Altman and famed ex-Apple designer Jony Ive. Lehane cautioned that the timeline is not locked in, stressing that while OpenAI is “looking at something in the latter part [of 2026],” the exact window “will see how things advance.” He stopped short of committing to a commercial release this year, suggesting the debut may be limited to a formal unveiling rather than a retail launch. Industry expectations have pointed to 2027 as a more realistic shipping window. A Device Wrapped in Mystery Altman and Ive have been collaborating on a family of AI-native hardware products since OpenAI acquired Ive’s design firm, then known as “io, ”in May of last year. At the time, Ive’s team hinted at a 2026 showcase, writing in a promotional video: “We look forward to sharing our work with you next year.” Yet, despite the growing anticipation, details remain tightly guarded. Reports have suggested that OpenAI has been testing multiple prototypes of small, screen-less devices, possibly wearable accessories, that would serve as always-present AI companions. Altman has described the forthcoming device as more “peaceful” than a smartphone and “shockingly simple,” but has refused to elaborate on form factor. When asked Monday whether the hardware might take the shape of a pin, an earpiece, or something entirely new, Lehane declined to provide specifics. Signs of Momentum Behind the Scenes While public details remain sparse, hiring moves suggest the project is accelerating. Janum Trivedi, a respected engineer and interface designer, recently joined the OpenAI × LoveFrom team working on “io products.” Trivedi previously helped build key iPadOS features at Apple. These features included Split View, multitasking Drag & Drop, and the iPad pointer system. Earlier this month, The Information reported that OpenAI had been strengthening its audio-model capabilities in preparation for a hardware product that may lean heavily on audio interaction, aligning with the company’s vision of post-smartphone, ambient AI experiences. A Defining Year Ahead for OpenAI OpenAI leadership is positioning “devices” as one of the company’s major themes for 2026. Lehane said he expects to have concrete news to share ”much later in the year,” reinforcing the sense that a reveal is not only planned but imminent. If the timeline holds, 2026 could mark one of OpenAI’s most significant strategic pivots yet, expanding from software dominance into consumer hardware designed around natural, AI-first interfaces.
