OpenAI's Debut Hardware: A Screenless Smart Speaker Designed to Be a Personalized Home AI Companion

OpenAI is developing its first consumer hardware device: a portable, screenless smart speaker powered by ChatGPT that is designed to act as a personalized home AI companion, according to multiple reports based on Bloomberg's reporting. The device, still under development, includes a camera and sensors to perceive its surroundings and will be able to control smart home accessories, answer questions, play media, and respond to messages.

"[The device is] a humanlike AI companion that lives in the home."

MacRumorsOpenAI's First AI Device Will Be a Portable Smart Speaker

The project marks OpenAI's push into physical hardware after acquiring Jony Ive's io Products. Bloomberg reported that the device is one of roughly five products under development by OpenAI and io Products, as noted by 9to5mac and 9to5Toys. The speaker is expected to learn about its user over time, becoming more personalized and proactive, using GPT-Live to communicate.

9to5ToysBloomberg: OpenAI's first hardware product will be a portable smart speaker with camera and sensors

"It will help control smart-home appliances, play media, answer questions, respond to messages and tap into the range of capabilities offered by OpenAI's ChatGPT."

SlashdotOpenAI's First Device Will Be Moveable, Screenless Speaker Built as AI Companion

A built-in rechargeable battery makes the device mobile, and ShortSingh reported that it could be announced later this year, with a release potentially in 2027. Android Authority described the concept as sounding "half-speaker, half-robot," emphasizing its ability to interact with the physical environment.

2 sources

ShortSinghOpenAI Reportedly Working on a Screen-Free ChatGPT Smart Speaker with CameraAndroid AuthorityOpenAI’s first hardware device sounds half-speaker, half-robot

The news comes amid a legal dispute with Apple. TechCrunch reported that Apple has accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets related to the device's development. Bloomberg noted that OpenAI believes the device "veers significantly from anything Apple has on" the market, according to Slashdot. OpenAI has publicly denied the allegations, as noted by ShortSingh.

The legal filings have brought renewed attention to the project, which was first announced in May 2025. As the device moves toward a potential launch, it will face a market already crowded with smart speakers, but its AI-first design and partnership with Jony Ive could set it apart as a truly novel home companion.