OpenAI Builds 200-People Team for AI Consumer Devices Set for 2026 Debut
Reportedly, OpenAI has assembled a team of more than 200 members dedicated to creating a series of AI-integrated consumer products.
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| Credit: Greg Brockman / X |
The effort centers on hardware that embeds the company's artificial intelligence capabilities directly into everyday items for users.
According to The Information report, OpenAI's initial rollout of AI-powered consumer devices begins with a smart speaker, followed by smart glasses and a smart lamp.
Development stems from OpenAI's 2025 purchase of io Products, the hardware firm established by Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion.
Jony Ive, who previously led design at Apple, guides the aesthetic and functional aspects of these devices alongside OpenAI engineers.
The smart speaker carries an anticipated retail price between $200 and $300.
Production partnerships include Luxshare-Tech, an Apple supplier handling assembly, and Goertek for audio components.
OpenAI targets U.S.-based manufacturing to align with domestic supply chain goals.
In January 2026, OpenAI released a request for proposals to secure American partners for building out consumer electronics assembly lines, printed circuit boards, displays, and electromechanical parts.
The document specifies final assembly and testing processes for these products.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, stated the company remains on schedule for the hardware introduction.
"We are looking at something in the latter part of 2026," Lehane said.
He described the device as one of the key developments for OpenAI this year.
The timeline accounts for prototyping stages completed in 2025, with internal testing focused on voice interaction and context awareness.
OpenAI projects sales of 40 million to 50 million units in the first year for the debut product.
The devices run on OpenAI's audio-enhanced models, prioritizing voice commands over screens for user engagement.
OpenAI reorganized internal groups in early 2026 to prioritize audio AI, merging engineering and research units under a unified hardware initiative.
The company seeks suppliers for robotics elements like motors and gearboxes to support future expansions.
