OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is making a bold move: it’s diving into hardware. This year alone, the company has snapped up over two dozen former Apple engineers and designers to lead its new hardware effort. OpenAI even bought Jony Ive’s design startup “io” (for about $6.5 billion) and put veteran Apple executive Tang Tan in charge of its hardware group. In short, it’s recruiting Apple’s best talent – UI gurus, camera and audio experts, and manufacturing designers – promising them more creative freedom compared to big-company bureaucracy.
Recruiting Apple’s Best to Lead Hardware
The core of OpenAI’s hardware team is littered with familiar faces from Apple. For example:
- Tang Tan: A 25-year Apple design veteran (formerly on the Apple Watch and other products), now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer.
- Cyrus Daniel Irani: A 15-year Apple veteran who led user-interface design, now focusing on OpenAI’s AI interface.
- Matt Theobald: An Apple manufacturing design expert (17 years at Apple), brought in to help build OpenAI’s devices.
More hires include audio, camera, and wearable specialists, all leaving Apple to work on fresh projects. Many of these engineers cited the chance to work with Jony Ive and Tang Tan again – and to build brand-new AI products – as a big draw. OpenAI reportedly promised them bigger roles and faster decision-making than at Apple, aiming to make hiring top talent easier.
Partnering with Apple’s Supply Chain
OpenAI isn’t just hiring talent; it’s also tapping Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem. In China, it has locked in a deal with Luxshare, a major Apple assembler (think iPhones and AirPods maker), to build at least one OpenAI device. Luxshare’s factories will handle the hard work of assembling the gadget. OpenAI is also talking to Goertek – the company that makes speaker modules for AirPods, HomePods and Apple Watches – to supply audio component. By using these trusted partners, OpenAI hopes to avoid starting from scratch on manufacturing.
Key supply-chain partners include:
- Luxshare: The Chinese factory giant assembling iPhones and AirPods; contracted to build OpenAI’s hardware prototypereuters.comreuters.com.
- Goertek: An audio-component maker for Apple products; supplying speaker and other parts for OpenAI’s gadgetseweek.comreuters.com.
Leveraging these Apple-linked partners should help OpenAI ramp up production faster. It’s a way of “standing on the shoulders of giants” – using decades of Apple’s hardware experience to avoid rookie mistakes.
What AI Gadgets Are Coming?
So what kind of AI device is OpenAI building? Reports suggest several experimental designs, all built around AI rather than traditional smartphone features. Leaked details include:
- Pocket-sized AI assistant: A small, voice-activated device running ChatGPT-style AI. Think of “ChatGPT in your pocket” – a gadget aware of your context and ready to answer questions, set reminders, or control smart home devices.
- Screenless smart speaker: A speaker-like device (no screen) that focuses on AI conversations. It’s similar to an Amazon Echo or Google Home, but built from the ground up to work with OpenAI’s models.
- Wearables and gadgets: Ideas under consideration include AI-powered smart glasses, a portable voice recorder with AI features, and even a “wearable AI pin”9to5mac.com. These could offer hands-free AI or quick voice notes, again powered by ChatGPT-like intelligence.
These concepts are still prototypes. OpenAI is reportedly evaluating which products make the most sense. But the common theme is clear: unlike a smartphone app, these devices are AI-native hardware. They’re designed around the AI experience from day one, not bolted on as an afterthought.
Timeline and Challenges Ahead
OpenAI has set an ambitious timeline: it’s aiming to launch its first consumer AI gadget in late 2026 or early 2027. That’s only a year or two away, which is very fast for hardware. There are huge challenges ahead: building reliable mass-production, keeping costs under control, and making sure the device actually delivers a great user experience.
There are also strategic hurdles. OpenAI’s move puts it in the same ring as tech giants like Apple and Google, which are already adding AI features to iPhones and Pixel phones. This could create tensions – for example, Apple may not be thrilled to see its former engineers and suppliers help a new competitor.
If OpenAI pulls this off, though, it could reshape how we use AI. Instead of reaching for a phone or computer, people might chat directly with an always-on AI device. Imagine asking a small gadget beside you for help instead of unlocking your phone. That could open entirely new ways to interact with technology.
On the other hand, if this gamble fails – due to delays, high costs, or a product that misses the mark – it could dampen excitement around dedicated AI gadgets. Moving from AI software to hardware is a big leap, and even with Apple’s help it’s a risky bet.
In summary, OpenAI is going all-in on hardware: hiring Apple veterans, partnering with Apple’s manufacturers, and designing new AI-first gadgets. The next couple of years will tell if this bold strategy pays off. If it does, we might see some cool new AI toys by 2027; if not, it’ll be back to the drawing board.
