Exclusive: OpenAI aims to debut first device in 2026
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OpenAI's Chris Lehane on stage at Axios House Davos. Photo: Dani Ammann Photography for Axios
OpenAI is "on track" to unveil its first device in the second half of 2026, chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said Monday at Axios House Davos.
Why it matters: CEO Sam Altman has teased a future AI device since acquiring former Apple design chief Jony Ive's company last May, but offered no concrete timeline or description of what it will look like.
- Ive's company, then known as io, had also hinted at a 2026 unveiling. "We look forward to sharing our work with you next year," according to text in a promotional video released at the time of the acquisition.
State of play: Various reports have said OpenAI was developing prototypes of small devices with no screen — possibly wearable — that will interact with users.
- Altman has said the device will be more "peaceful" than a smartphone and users will be shocked at how simple it is.
- Lehane declined to go into any specifics, including whether it would be a pin, an earpiece or something else entirely.
What he's saying: Lehane listed "devices" as one of the big coming attractions for OpenAI in 2026, telling Axios' Ina Fried that he'd have news to share "much later in the year."
- Lehane didn't commit to the device actually going on sale this year but said OpenAI was "looking at something in the latter part [of 2026]."
- He added that while that was the "most likely" timeline, "we will see how things advance."
The big picture: While early AI gadgets such as Humane's AI Pin were largely flops, 2026 is expected to see the arrival of many fresh efforts at the concept.
- Already around 10 million AI-equipped glasses are shipping each year, with the rate likely to climb to 100 million by either this year or next, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon told Fried in a separate on-stage interview at Axios House.
- He said AI devices will take many forms, including earbuds with cameras and jewelry — with Qualcomm chips powering the majority of these products — but that AI-enabled glasses are likely to be the largest category by volume.
- As to whether a Qualcomm chip will be inside whatever device OpenAI unveils, Amon was somewhat circumspect. "I will say we've been working with them, so we're excited about we're doing with them, but they will talk about their device."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.
