OpenAI’s First Consumer Device May Be AI-Powered Earbuds: Report

OpenAI is reportedly preparing to step into the consumer hardware space, with AI-powered earbuds emerging as the company’s likely first product. According to a report by Mint, OpenAI’s debut device is expected to be simpler and more affordable, rather than a fully standalone AI gadget.

The company is reportedly planning an announcement later this year, while shipments are expected to begin in early 2027. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s more advanced, smartphone-like AI device is said to be facing delays due to component shortages and rising production costs, prompting the company to prioritise a simpler product first.

AI-Powered Earbuds May Mark OpenAI’s Hardware Debut

Simpler Entry Into Consumer Devices

OpenAI is reportedly considering launching a basic pair of AI-powered earbuds before moving on to more complex hardware. This strategy could allow the company to enter the hardware market with lower costs and fewer technical challenges, while still showcasing its AI capabilities.

The earbuds are said to be referenced in a patent filing in China, which has been linked to OpenAI, suggesting early groundwork for audio-focused AI hardware.

Collaboration With Jony Ive Shapes the Device

Design Direction Finalised

OpenAI’s first consumer device is being developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, with the project entering the prototyping stage in 2025.

Ive has previously said that the device could arrive in “less than” two years. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also shared positive feedback on the current prototype, saying it feels “simple and beautiful,” after earlier versions failed to feel intuitive or easy to use.

Both Ive and Altman have indicated that the overall design direction has been finalised, signalling steady progress toward a commercial product.

How OpenAI’s AI Earbuds Could Work

Voice-First, Hands-Free AI Interaction

As per the report, the AI-powered earbuds would primarily function as a hands-free interface to OpenAI’s AI models. Rather than acting as a full computing device, the earbuds could allow users to interact with AI through voice commands, offering real-time assistance while on the move.

By focusing on audio and voice interaction, OpenAI could position the earbuds as a practical extension of its existing software capabilities, rather than a replacement for smartphones or laptops.

A Testing Ground for AI Hardware Usage

This approach would reportedly help OpenAI better understand how users engage with AI-powered hardware in daily life, before committing to more advanced and expensive devices.

According to the report by source, the earbuds could serve as a stepping stone toward more sophisticated AI hardware in the future.

Focus on Ambient and Contextual AI

Not a Smartphone Replacement

The report aligns with earlier coverage suggesting that OpenAI’s first consumer product would focus on voice and ambient interaction rather than screens.

The device is not expected to replace smartphones or laptops. Instead, it would work alongside existing devices, offering contextual AI assistance throughout the day, reinforcing the idea that OpenAI may begin its hardware journey with audio-focused wearables.

Advanced AI Device Faces Delays

Component Shortages Push Back Timeline

A more complex AI device — described as smartphone-like and capable of processing data on its own — is reportedly facing delays. This is said to be due to a shortage of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which has increased component prices and overall production costs.

Because of these challenges, OpenAI may choose to release a simpler device in 2026 and push the launch of a more advanced version to a later date, once supply constraints ease and manufacturing becomes more cost-effective.

A Measured Hardware Strategy

Entry-Level First, Advanced Later

If these reports are accurate, OpenAI’s approach would follow a common industry strategy, where companies introduce entry-level hardware products first before scaling up to more advanced and standalone devices.

For now, OpenAI has not officially confirmed plans for AI-powered earbuds. However, the reported strategy suggests the company is taking a careful and deliberate approach as it prepares to launch its first consumer device.