OpenAI’s push into consumer hardware centers on a screenless, portable smart speaker developed with Jony Ive’s io Products team after the company’s $6.5 billion acquisition. The device features a rechargeable battery, camera, sensors, and moving mechanical elements for a humanlike AI companion experience powered by advanced ChatGPT voice models, with plans to unveil it in late 2026 and ship in early 2027 at roughly $300–400. Timelines have slipped from earlier 2026 targets amid design and infrastructure challenges, while Apple’s July 2026 lawsuit alleging trade-secret theft seeks an injunction that could further delay or restrict launches. OpenAI has also released a niche Codex Micro keypad accessory and is advancing a broader roadmap of up to five devices, including potential smartphones, amid intensifying competition with Apple, Google, and Amazon in AI-native hardware.