OpenAI has officially confirmed that its long-awaited transition from software giant to consumer electronics manufacturer is set for late 2026. Speaking at Axios House during the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane revealed that the company is "on track" to unveil its first-ever physical device in the second half of the year. The confirmation marks the most significant update yet on the mysterious project spearheaded by CEO Sam Altman and legendary designer Jony Ive, promising to bring "ambient artificial intelligence" to the mass market.
Breaking: Official Confirmation at Davos 2026
The announcement at Davos ended months of speculation regarding the timeline of OpenAI's hardware ambitions. While rumors have swirled since OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's hardware startup, io Products, for a reported $6.5 billion in May 2025, the company had remained tight-lipped about a release window until now. Lehane told attendees that the device is a priority for the company's 2026 roadmap, stating that they are aiming for a reveal in the "latter part" of the year.
This strategic pivot signals OpenAI's intent to control the entire AI experience, moving beyond the chat interface of ChatGPT to a dedicated, AI-native physical vessel. Industry analysts believe this move is critical for the company to reduce its reliance on third-party hardware from partners like Apple and Microsoft, establishing a direct line to consumers.
The 'Io' Team: A Reunion of Apple Legends
The project is being developed by a dream team of former Apple engineers and designers. Following the acquisition of io Products last year, OpenAI absorbed a workforce that includes some of the most influential figures in modern consumer electronics. Alongside Jony Ive, whose firm LoveFrom continues to lead the design language, the team features Tang Tan, the former lead designer of the iPhone and Apple Watch, and Evans Hankey, Apple's former vice president of industrial design.
This concentration of talent suggests that the upcoming device will prioritize premium industrial design and intuitive user interaction. Sources close to the project indicate that the collaboration aims to create a form factor that feels less like a computer and more like a natural extension of the human senses—a philosophy deeply rooted in Ive's post-Apple career.
Project 'Sweetpea': What We Know About the Device
While OpenAI has not publicly released specifications, supply chain leaks and insider reports offer a glimpse into what the Jony Ive AI wearable might look like. Recent leaks from Asian supply chain monitors refer to the device under the codename "Sweetpea." Unlike the screen-heavy smartphones of the last decade, this next-gen consumer electronic is expected to be a screenless or minimal-display device that relies heavily on voice interaction and ambient computing.
Rumors suggest the form factor could be a set of advanced, split-design earbuds or a discreet wearable clip that sits behind the ear. The goal is to facilitate seamless communication with OpenAI's most advanced models, likely GPT-5 or its successor, without the friction of unlocking a phone or opening an app. The device is expected to feature always-on listening capabilities (with privacy safeguards) to provide real-time context and assistance.
Sam Altman's Vision: 'Calm' Computing
The philosophy driving this OpenAI hardware launch is a desire to declutter the human digital experience. Sam Altman has previously described his vision for AI hardware as something "peaceful" and "calm," contrasting it with the addictive, notification-heavy nature of modern smartphones. The device aims to filter out digital noise, allowing users to stay present in the real world while accessing the infinite intelligence of the cloud.
This approach addresses the failures of first-generation AI wearables like the Humane AI Pin, which struggled with latency and usability issues. By vertically integrating OpenAI's bleeding-edge software with Jony Ive's obsession with usability, the company hopes to succeed where others have stumbled, creating the first true "iPhone moment" for artificial intelligence.
Looking Ahead to Late 2026
With the release window now set for late 2026, the tech world is bracing for a showdown. As competitors like Meta and Google race to integrate AI into smart glasses and wearables, OpenAI's "Sweetpea" represents a bold bet that the future of computing isn't just about faster chips—it's about invisible, helpful, and beautiful AI-powered devices. All eyes are now on San Francisco as we await the first official glimpse of the device that could redefine our relationship with technology.
