OpenAI's Mysterious AI Hardware Revealed! 'Donut' Smart Speaker to Launch in 2027, Priced Up to $400

According to insiders, OpenAI's highly anticipated new device will feature a unique design with movable components, giving it a more distinct personality. However, the product's price could exceed $300.

Per a Bloomberg report, sources say OpenAI's product is essentially a screenless smart speaker with a donut-like shape, roughly the size of a hockey puck.

The company's design philosophy is reportedly to allow users to easily carry the device around the home with one hand.

OpenAI aims to create an entirely new product category with this device, scheduled for release in 2027. Sources indicate it will be positioned as an AI-powered computer capable of assisting users with various tasks.

Additionally, its design is expected to differentiate it from existing smart speakers by Amazon (AMZN-US) and Google (GOOGL-US) on the market.

Notably, this new hardware will also give OpenAI a chance to prove its product design is not copying Apple (AAPL-US). The two companies are currently embroiled in a legal dispute over whether OpenAI stole Apple's intellectual property; OpenAI denies the allegations.

Although OpenAI ultimately plans to launch a series of hardware devices, this smart speaker is seen as the company's entry point into the hardware market. Meanwhile, other types of always-on AI devices, such as smart glasses, have raised privacy concerns.

Sources say OpenAI expects users to interact with this smart speaker frequently throughout the day. It will operate similarly to the voice mode in the ChatGPT mobile app but will use a more advanced model to deliver a more human-like conversational experience.

The device will also have the ability to deeply understand users over time and adjust its conversational style based on that knowledge, making interactions feel more like talking to a real person.

This circular device will feature self-moving components. These moving parts will provide visual feedback when the device responds or interacts with users, making it appear more 'alive' than current fixed smart speakers.

On the hardware side, the product will include speaker grilles and microphones to receive user commands and conduct voice conversations. The device will be battery-powered, adaptable to various usage scenarios—such as being held in hand or placed on a nightstand or kitchen countertop.

OpenAI also plans to add indicator lights to the device so users can clearly see when it is listening, enhancing the interactive experience.

Additionally, the device will include a camera system and other sensors to perceive its surroundings and provide visual data to the AI.

In the long term, OpenAI aims to build a full hardware business and even hopes to one day launch a product capable of replacing today's smartphones.

This smart speaker is being co-developed with LoveFrom, the design firm led by Jony Ive. Ive previously led the design of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch, earning high recognition at Apple.

Following Ive’s past design style, the new device will feature a premium look and use high-end materials such as premium metals. Sources say the price under internal discussion at OpenAI is around $300 to $400 per unit—higher than most smart speakers but still below the cost of a standard iPhone.

Notably, the metal exterior design is also one of the accusations Apple made when filing its lawsuit against OpenAI. Apple claims OpenAI asked a long-time Apple supplier to develop a metal surface treatment technology for its upcoming product—one similar to the technology Apple currently uses.

In its legal filing, Apple alleges: 'OpenAI and its partners misled the supplier into believing OpenAI had authorization from Apple to use this confidential metal surface treatment technology for OpenAI’s benefit.'

OpenAI, however, describes Apple’s allegations as 'overly vague and general.' It is also unclear whether the product referenced in Apple’s lawsuit is this donut-shaped device, another product OpenAI is developing, or even a canceled concept design.

However, this ring-shaped design or the concept of a portable smart speaker differs significantly from Apple’s current product lineup. While Apple has released the HomePod series of smart speakers, it has not yet launched a battery-powered version or an official AI-centric home device.

Sources say OpenAI internally believes its first device does not use or infringe on any Apple trade secrets. After Apple filed the lawsuit, OpenAI also conducted an internal investigation into the matter.

In a motion to dismiss Apple’s lawsuit filed late Wednesday (12th) local time, OpenAI specifically emphasized this point. The document states, 'The products OpenAI is building are entirely different from any Apple product—something new and distinct.'

However, Apple this week requested the court to issue an injunction against OpenAI. If granted, it could complicate OpenAI’s product launch plans.