OpenAI's first AI hardware may be a 'self-driving, screenless smart speaker.'

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has acquired io, a device startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, and revealed that it is developing AI hardware that is 'the coolest the world has ever seen.' Bloomberg reports that this AI hardware will be a speaker without a screen and will be able to drive autonomously.

OpenAI's First Device Will Be Home Speaker Built as AI Companion - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-14/openai-s-first-device-will-be-moveable-screenless-speaker-built-as-ai-companion

OpenAI's first hardware device is reportedly a screenless speaker that can move | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/14/openais-first-hardware-device-is-reportedly-a-screenless-speaker-that-can-move/

Bloomberg reports that OpenAI is developing an AI hardware that is a mobile smart speaker without a display, capable of using AI functions such as ChatGPT. According to Bloomberg, OpenAI is promoting this AI hardware internally as a 'human-like AI companion for the home.'

OpenAI's AI smart speaker is said to be a departure from conventional smart speakers. According to Bloomberg, sources indicate that the device will have a personality, actively learn about its owner over time, and be able to provide more personalized services. The sources say that this AI smart speaker will access the user's digital life and retrieve information such as emails.

Furthermore, OpenAI's AI smart speaker includes mechanical elements that allow it to operate autonomously, and it has been reported that it is 'designed to feel like a companion and be a physical embodiment of OpenAI's ChatGPT.'

It has been known for some time that OpenAI is developing AI hardware, and supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that they are developing an AI smartphone to compete with the iPhone.

OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI-powered smartphone to compete with the iPhone - GIGAZINE

According to Bloomberg, OpenAI's AI smart speaker is being developed with the help of former Apple engineers who 'worked hard on the development of products such as iPhones and Macs.'

It has been suggested that OpenAI may be attempting to launch a new hardware line, but Apple has filed a lawsuit alleging that OpenAI stole intellectual property information necessary for hardware development.

Apple sues OpenAI for trade secret infringement - GIGAZINE

Based on information from an anonymous source familiar with OpenAI's plans, Bloomberg reports that OpenAI's AI smart speaker 'will be significantly different from Apple products currently on the market' and 'is unlikely to infringe on Apple's trade secrets.'