OpenAI is approaching the launch of its first hardware product, confirming that it will make an announcement in the second half of this year, with deliveries expected in 2026.

CEO Sam Altman suggested that the device will be "calmer" than current smartphones, featuring a screenless design aimed at minimizing visual overload. According to sources, the product could be codenamed "Sweet Pea," which might run on a custom 2-nanometer processor, enabling local AI tasks without constantly relying on the cloud. OpenAI is exploring production partnerships with Luxshare from China and Foxconn from Taiwan, aiming to deliver 40-50 million units in the first year.

Although OpenAI already has a large user base with ChatGPT, owning the hardware would provide greater control over the user experience. However, the AI hardware market has struggled to produce a real success, and OpenAI will need to convince users to replace established products like AirPods. If OpenAI can successfully combine thoughtful design with on-device intelligence, 2026 could mark the beginning of a new category of products.