OpenAI is developing a smartphone designed to operate primarily through AI agents rather than traditional applications. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the company plans to launch the device in the first half of 2027. The project aims to compete directly with premium models from Apple and Samsung.
Custom chipset and AI-focused architecture target premium market share in 2027
The hardware will feature a customized MediaTek Dimensity 9600 system on chip manufactured using TSMC's N2P process. This processor architecture includes a dual-NPU design intended for heterogeneous AI tasks. An upgraded HDR pipeline supports the device's visual perception capabilities for real-time environmental analysis. The smartphone will also utilize LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage to handle persistent agentic workloads.
Ming-Chi Kuo states that OpenAI targets a production volume of 30 million units between 2027 and 2028. This strategy relies on converting the existing ChatGPT user base into hardware customers through bundled subscription services. The company seeks to establish a sticky ecosystem similar to established mobile platforms.
The smartphone project remains in its development phase with final specifications and supply chain details pending clarification. OpenAI intends to replace standard app interfaces with continuous AI agent interactions across all device functions.
OpenAI has not confirmed the launch window or specific hardware configurations for this upcoming device.
Source: ChatGPT, NotebookCheck
