OpenAI Partners With Apple Supplier Luxshare to Develop First AI Consumer Device

OpenAI is moving closer to launching its first consumer hardware product, with reports indicating the company has struck a deal with Luxshare, a major Apple device assembler, to manufacture upcoming AI-powered devices. The move follows OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s io Products startup earlier this year.

According to The Information, prototypes currently under development include a screen-free smart speaker, smart glasses, a digital voice recorder, and a wearable AI “pin.” OpenAI is aiming for a commercial release between late 2026 and 2027, though the company has not officially commented.

The report also notes that OpenAI is in discussions with Goertek, another Chinese manufacturer known for assembling Apple’s AirPods, HomePods, and Watches, to supply speaker modules and other components.

To accelerate its hardware push, OpenAI has reportedly hired around two dozen former Apple hardware engineers, in addition to the 55 staff members who joined through the io Products acquisition. Many of these hires bring deep experience in consumer electronics design and manufacturing, strengthening OpenAI’s bid to enter the competitive hardware market.

Jony Ive, Apple’s legendary former design chief who left the company in 2019, is heavily involved in shaping these new devices. The project is widely seen as an attempt to create AI-first hardware that integrates seamlessly into everyday life—without relying on traditional screens.

So far, AI hardware has had a mixed track record. Products like the Rabbit R1 and Humane’s AI Pin (later acquired by HP) failed to gain traction. However, reports suggest OpenAI’s approach may focus on a pocket-sized, context-aware, screen-free device, potentially redefining how consumers interact with AI.

If successful, this would mark OpenAI’s first major step into consumer hardware, positioning it alongside tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta in shaping the future of AI-powered devices.

OpenAI Partners With Apple Supplier Luxshare to Develop First AI Consumer Device

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