OpenAI announces it's developing an AI-powered smart speaker: When will it be released?

OpenAI is working on a screenless smart speaker -like device, one of its first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered hardware products.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with Jony Ive, former design director at Apple, and the company io.

According to sources close to the company, cited by The Information and reported by The Verge , the first devices are expected to hit the market between late 2026 and early 2027.

In addition to the speaker, OpenAI is developing smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable pin, all of which integrate its AI models.

The hardware development is part of the acquisition, in May 2025, of the company io, co-founded by Jonathan Ive. The objective of this transaction was to create a team specialized in artificial intelligence devices.

In June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman himself said the company's first product would not be a wearable or in-ear device , in response to speculation following a trademark lawsuit.

For the production of the speaker, OpenAI has signed a contract with technology company Luxshare and has initiated contacts with Goertek.

Both are Apple suppliers: Luxshare assembles iPhones and AirPods, while Goertek is involved in the production of AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watch.

The sources consulted specified that one of the new devices "resembles a smart speaker without a screen," which points to a format focused on voice interaction.

Along with the speaker, OpenAI is working on other projects that could be released later, including glasses with AI capabilities, a smart recorder, and a wearable PIN.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from Europa Press, and reviewed by the journalist and an editor.