OpenAI Developing Movable Smart Speaker to Challenge Apple in the Home

OpenAI is preparing to enter the consumer hardware market with a movable, screenless device designed to serve as a humanlike AI companion, according to a new Bloomberg report. Resembling a smart speaker but envisioned internally as a new type of home computer for the AI era, the product represents the company's first major physical device and deepens its rivalry with Apple, Amazon, and Google in the smart home market.



The upcoming device relies on a rechargeable battery, allowing users to carry it from room to room throughout the day. It integrates a camera and various sensors to understand its user's surroundings and visual context. OpenAI envisions the hardware proactively surfacing information, anticipating needs, and drawing on personal data like emails to better assist its owner. It also incorporates mechanical elements that can move independently, a design choice intended to give the machine a more lifelike presence rather than acting as a static object.


Interactions are powered by a more advanced version of GPT-Live, the conversational voice mode OpenAI rolled out earlier this month. The system can listen and speak simultaneously, enabling interactions that adapt naturally to pauses or interruptions. Through this interface, the device will control smart home appliances, play media, and handle messaging.

Development of the hardware is being led by a roster of former Apple executives. OpenAI's hardware division includes Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan and former industrial design head Evans Hankey. The company also recently hired Paul Meade, who previously led development of the Vision Pro and future smart glasses at Apple. The recruitment effort comes as Apple is suing OpenAI, alleging the startup orchestrated a campaign to steal trade secrets related to unreleased hardware and manufacturing processes. According to people familiar with the matter, OpenAI believes the new device differs substantially from Apple's HomePod and HomePod mini and is unlikely to violate the company's trade secrets.

The hardware is one of roughly five products currently in development at OpenAI, following its $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive's io Products startup last year. Ive's design studio, LoveFrom, is also actively helping craft the new product lineup. The company is aiming to unveil the device later this year before a planned release in 2027, though the timeline could shift depending on the ongoing legal process. Apple is currently seeking an injunction that could potentially delay OpenAI's ability to sell the hardware.

Other projects on OpenAI's roadmap include a wearable pendant, home robotics, and an AI-agent smartphone. At the same time, Apple is preparing its own push into the home with a robotic tabletop display and a new smart home command center powered by the Siri AI assistant arriving in iOS 27.