OpenAI will launch its first ChatGPT AI-powered device in the second half of 2026, as confirmed by OpenAI executive Chris Lehane, potentially resembling ear-worn gadgets.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, stated at Axios House Davos that these devices are “among the big coming attractions for OpenAI in 2026.” He indicated the company plans to introduce new products in the latter part of the year. Lehane did not provide specific details regarding the device or its availability for purchase.
An earlier leak from @zhihuipikachu, a consumer-electronics blogger, suggests the device will rival Apple’s AirPods. This leak described two metallic, pill-shaped gadgets designed to rest behind the ear, stored in an egg-shaped case. The initial launch was indicated for approximately September 2026. The leak also projected a total of five devices released by the fourth quarter of 2028.
This development follows OpenAI’s acquisition of tech design company IO for $6.5 billion in May 2025. IO was founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and others to develop hardware products heavily integrated with AI.
In November, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Jony Ive revealed they had developed a prototype for a screenless device. This prototype aims to filter “digital noise,” reduce constant notifications, and rely on ambient intelligence to learn from its surroundings and provide spatial awareness. Altman characterized the device as “simple, beautiful and playful.”
ChatGPT was launched in 2022 by OpenAI as an AI assistant. It performs tasks such as document creation, language translation, and question answering. Conversational AI, including ChatGPT, is being integrated into numerous tech products and everyday devices, such as smart earbuds and other wearables.
