OpenAI’s plans to move beyond software and into physical products are becoming clearer, with a company executive confirming that its first ChatGPT-powered device is expected to be introduced in 2026.
Speculation around OpenAI developing its own hardware has been growing since the company acquired Jony Ive’s startup io last year. That acquisition sparked widespread discussion about whether OpenAI was preparing to launch a new category of AI-focused consumer devices. Those rumors gained further momentum when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed in a late 2025 interview that the company was experimenting with a compact, pocket-sized product designed to deliver context-aware AI assistance while minimizing everyday noise and distractions.
Earlier reports also pointed to a potential wearable audio product internally known as Sweetpea. According to leaked information, the device is designed to sit discreetly behind the user’s ear and provide hands-free interaction with ChatGPT. The leak suggested that this wearable could be OpenAI’s first consumer-facing hardware release, with an initial launch window expected sometime in 2026.
That possibility was reinforced after comments made by OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane. Speaking at an Axios House event in Davos, Lehane indicated that hardware devices would be a major focus for OpenAI in 2026. In remarks reported by Axios, he said the company expects to showcase its first device during the latter part of the year, describing hardware as one of the most significant developments on OpenAI’s roadmap.
While Lehane stopped short of confirming an exact release date or commercial availability, he noted that OpenAI is actively working toward unveiling something later in the year. He added that the current timeline remains the most likely scenario, though final details will depend on how development progresses.
At this stage, OpenAI has not publicly shared technical specifications or confirmed the final form factor of its first device. However, based on earlier disclosures and leaked material, Sweetpea appears to align closely with the vision OpenAI has hinted at so far. The device is expected to offer seamless, voice-driven access to ChatGPT, allowing users to interact with the AI assistant without relying on a phone or screen.
The idea behind the product is to integrate AI assistance more naturally into daily life, reducing friction and making interactions feel less intrusive. By focusing on audio-first, hands-free use, OpenAI may be positioning its hardware as a companion device rather than a replacement for existing smartphones or wearables.
More details are expected to emerge over the coming months as OpenAI moves closer to formally presenting its first piece of consumer hardware. With the company increasingly emphasizing real-world applications of artificial intelligence, the introduction of a ChatGPT-powered device could mark a significant shift in how users access and experience AI outside traditional apps and platforms.
