OpenAI is set to enter the consumer hardware market with a mobile, screen-free smart speaker designed to function as an AI companion capable of controlling smart home appliances. The device aims to provide users with a portable artificial intelligence interface that can play media, respond to messages, and answer questions by leveraging OpenAI's ChatGPT offerings. This move marks a significant expansion for the company beyond its software and API offerings, integrating its technology directly into consumers' daily lives through dedicated hardware.

The speaker-like product is currently under development and will utilize GPT-Live, a recently rolled-out advanced version of the AI model. This technology enables the device to process information faster and deliver more natural responses during conversations. To enhance its understanding of user surroundings and context, the device will include a camera and sensors, offering an edge over existing smart speakers. However, exact specifications are subject to change as the product development progresses through an underlying legal process.

The OpenAI-Apple Showdown

This report follows Apple filing a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of using the iPhone maker's trade secrets to expedite the development of its consumer device. The Tim Cook-led company alleged that Tang Tan, OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple vice president, used job interviews to extract confidential details from Apple employees. This legal action contrasts sharply with the 2024 collaboration between the two companies to incorporate ChatGPT into the iPhone’s software.

Hardware Development and Partnerships

In May 2025, OpenAI advanced its hardware ambitions by purchasing IO Products, a startup led by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.4 billion. Earlier this year, reports indicated that OpenAI shifted its first AI hardware project manufacturing from Luxshare to Foxconn Technology Group, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., to accelerate the launch of the Jony Ive–designed consumer device. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted that Apple currently has "nothing like" OpenAI's under-development device in the market.

OpenAI has hired Philip Larson, a former senior director at Google Cloud, to lead its newly created Partner Network (OPN) as it scales its global ecosystem strategy. Larson announced the move on LinkedIn, stating he joined OpenAI to help shape and scale its global partner ecosystem after more than two decades building and leading partner ecosystems. The role focuses on creating a system that helps partners sell, deploy, and develop AI solutions with OpenAI while improving training, incentives, certifications, and support to drive enterprise adoption.

Partner Network Investment

OpenAI introduced its first partner program last month, investing $150 million to support the ecosystem and help partners bring the benefits of AI to more organizations more quickly. Larson emphasized that the best partner programs are defined by the customer outcomes they accelerate, helping partners co-sell, co-deploy, and build differentiated, durable customer solutions around transformational technology.

Executive Background

Before joining OpenAI, Larson ran the Google Cloud Partner Network for more than two years. He previously held partner leadership roles at Snowflake and VMware, where he worked on global channel programs during a period when VMware had tens of thousands of partners worldwide. Larson’s exit follows another recent jump from Google Cloud’s partner ranks to OpenAI, with Colleen Kapase joining earlier and now serving as vice president of strategic global partnerships and ecosystems. Both executives helped stand up Google Cloud’s revamped partner program that launched in January.

Recent Hires

OpenAI has been on a hiring spree, planning to nearly double its workforce to 8,000 from 4,500 by the end of the year. Last month, the company hired Liz Wamai as head of recruiting after more than three years at Netflix, as well as White House artificial intelligence adviser Dean Ball. The company also brought on former Uber Technologies India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh as its managing director for the country, joining in September. Other recent hires include former Ironclad CEO Jason Boehmig to lead its product team for the legal industry, and Salesforce AgentExchange CEO Brian Landsman as vice president of global partnerships.