OpenAI is developing a screen-free smart speaker for the home that would use ChatGPT to control appliances, play media, answer questions, and handle messages, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company plans to unveil the device this year and release it in 2027 if legal issues do not delay it.

Internally, OpenAI describes the device as a portable home computer. It would include a rechargeable battery, camera, sensors, and a more advanced ChatGPT voice mode called GPT-Live.

The project expands OpenAI’s hardware efforts after its roughly US$6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, a device startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive.

OpenAI later said the team had officially merged into the company, while Ive and LoveFrom remained independent and took on design work across OpenAI.

In July 2026, Apple sued OpenAI and io Products, alleging that former Apple employees passed along confidential hardware information.

Apple is seeking damages and an order to block use of its trade secrets, which OpenAI denies.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg