OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year as its first consumer hardware device.
According to a report by Engadget, this screenless device will feature a camera and a microphone to interact with users. The product represents a major step for the company into the consumer smart devices market.
Development of the ChatGPT smart speaker
The company designed the ChatGPT smart speaker to function as a physical companion. Consequently, the device will use an advanced version of GPT-Live, which is the model that powers the voice mode of ChatGPT. This technology allows the speaker to listen and talk at the same time during conversations.
In addition, the device will feature mechanical elements that move on their own. This movement is intended to make the speaker feel like a companion rather than a static object. Meanwhile, the integrated camera and sensors will gather environmental context to provide personalized responses.
Technical Specifications and Features
The upcoming device is rechargeable and highly mobile, allowing users to carry it between rooms easily. For example, a user can take it to the kitchen for cooking instructions and then return it to the living room. Furthermore, the speaker can control other smart home systems and play audio files.
Unlike traditional home assistants, this machine will have access to the user’s digital life, including emails. This integration helps the system proactively learn about its owner over time. As a result, the device can offer highly customized services based on individual habits.
Acquisition and Design Team
To design the hardware, OpenAI acquired io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion in 2025. The development team also includes numerous former Apple engineers who previously worked on the iPhone and Mac. Notably, Paul Meade, who led the development of the Vision Pro headset, now leads the hardware division at OpenAI.
Legal Challenges with Apple
However, the release of the ChatGPT smart speaker could face delays due to ongoing litigation. Apple recently filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, alleging trade secret theft. Specifically, Apple accused the employees of downloading confidential hardware files before joining OpenAI.
Apple is currently seeking a court injunction to block OpenAI’s hardware products. In response, OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing. Sources close to the company stated that the new product differs significantly from Apple’s current offerings, making trade secret violations unlikely.
