OpenAI is reportedly working on its own AI-native smartphone, designed to circumvent the software limitations imposed by dominant mobile platforms like Apple's iOS and Google's Android. The device, often referred to as the "OpenAI Phone," aims to replace the traditional app grid with an AI agent as the primary user interface.
According to sources, OpenAI is collaborating with chipmakers MediaTek and manufacturing partner Luxshare to develop custom processors and hardware optimized for on-device AI processing. The company has also recruited former Apple design veterans to lead the product's aesthetic and user experience.
The phone is expected to be part of a broader ecosystem that includes smart speakers and wearables, all centered around OpenAI's AI assistant. This move mirrors a growing trend among AI companies to create dedicated hardware that offers more control over the user experience and data privacy.
While the project is still in early stages, prototypes are being tested internally. International competitors have already demonstrated radical prototypes that use screen-reading AI to automate complex tasks across different platforms, signaling a shift toward AI-first devices.
OpenAI has not officially commented on the reports, but the development underscores the escalating battle between AI companies and established smartphone giants.