OpenAI is reportedly collaborating with chipmakers MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop custom smartphone processors, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The project also involves Luxshare as the exclusive partner for system design and manufacturing, with mass production slated for 2028. Final specifications and suppliers are expected to be confirmed by late 2026 or early 2027.
Kuo interprets this move as OpenAI's push to build an "AI agent phone" — a device designed to execute tasks rather than run traditional apps. To achieve this, OpenAI would need full control over both the operating system and hardware. Simple tasks could be processed locally on the device, while complex ones would rely on cloud computing. Kuo also suggests OpenAI could bundle subscriptions with the hardware as a potential business model.
The custom chips may also be used in other hardware projects OpenAI is developing with Jony Ive.