Curious about OpenAI’s first AI hardware device? Reports suggest the OpenAI smart speaker with camera is set to launch in early 2027, marking the company’s boldest move beyond software. Designed in partnership with legendary former Apple designer Jony Ive, the device will reportedly feature facial recognition, AI-powered assistance, and personalized recommendations. Pricing is expected to range between $200 and $300, positioning it as a premium but accessible home AI hub.
Here’s what we know so far—and why this could reshape the future of smart home technology.
The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI has been one of the most closely watched partnerships in tech. Ive, known for shaping iconic Apple products, has been working with OpenAI since the company acquired his hardware firm, io, in May 2025. Together with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the team is reportedly building a new category of AI-first devices.
Unlike traditional smart speakers, this upcoming product is being described as context-aware. It’s designed not just to respond to commands, but to understand who is speaking and what’s happening around them. That shift from reactive to proactive AI could mark a major evolution in how home assistants function.
Internal presentations reportedly highlighted the goal: create hardware that feels more like an intelligent companion than a voice-controlled tool.
At its core, the OpenAI smart speaker will include an integrated camera and facial recognition technology similar to Face ID. This means the device may recognize different users in a household and tailor responses accordingly. Personalized reminders, schedule suggestions, and contextual prompts could become standard features.
The AI integration is expected to be deep and seamless. Users may ask questions, request actions, and even complete purchases directly through the device. The addition of a camera opens the door for gesture-based interactions and smarter home monitoring capabilities.
One particularly interesting feature mentioned internally is proactive guidance. For example, the device could suggest going to bed earlier if it knows you have a morning meeting scheduled. This type of behavioral nudging moves beyond passive assistance and into lifestyle optimization.
Reports indicate that the OpenAI smart speaker could launch as early as February 2027. Pricing is expected to fall between $200 and $300, putting it in direct competition with premium smart home hubs already on the market.
For consumers, this price point suggests OpenAI is targeting mainstream households rather than niche tech enthusiasts. The relatively accessible pricing strategy may also signal confidence in scaling production and distribution.
However, timelines in hardware development can shift. While the speaker appears to be the most advanced of OpenAI’s hardware projects, other products are still in early stages and could face delays or cancellations.
The smart speaker is reportedly just the beginning. OpenAI is also exploring a smart lamp and AI-powered glasses, though these devices are unlikely to arrive before 2028. Both concepts suggest a broader ambition: embedding AI into everyday objects rather than limiting it to smartphones and computers.
The smart lamp could integrate lighting with contextual intelligence, adjusting brightness or tone based on tasks or mood. Meanwhile, AI glasses hint at wearable augmented intelligence—possibly delivering real-time information overlays or contextual assistance throughout the day.
Still, these projects remain exploratory. Unlike the speaker, they are not yet close to market readiness.
OpenAI’s move into hardware comes as other tech giants are expanding their own smart home ecosystems. Apple is reportedly preparing a home hub device featuring an integrated camera and speaker for video calls, smart home controls, and deeper Siri integration.
While both companies appear to be developing camera-equipped home hubs, the philosophical difference may lie in AI depth. OpenAI’s product seems centered around advanced generative AI and behavioral intelligence. Apple’s approach, by contrast, emphasizes ecosystem integration and privacy-focused design.
The overlap suggests 2027 could be a defining year for AI-powered home devices.
OpenAI’s expansion into hardware signals a strategic shift. For years, the company has been known primarily for software and AI models. A physical device allows tighter integration between AI capabilities and user experience.
Hardware gives AI persistent presence. Instead of living inside an app, it becomes part of the room—always available, always observing context, and potentially always learning. That shift could unlock entirely new use cases for AI assistance.
Of course, the inclusion of cameras and facial recognition also raises questions about privacy, consent, and data security. As more AI systems become embedded in physical spaces, trust and transparency will play an even bigger role in consumer adoption.
The partnership between Jony Ive and OpenAI represents more than just another gadget launch. It combines world-class industrial design with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. If executed well, the OpenAI smart speaker could redefine what people expect from home assistants.
Early 2027 may feel far away, but development cycles for breakthrough hardware are long for a reason. The real story isn’t just about a speaker—it’s about whether AI can evolve from a helpful tool into a trusted, proactive presence in everyday life.
All eyes will be on OpenAI as it takes its first major step into consumer hardware.
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