OpenAI is reportedly launching a phone for ChatGPT

OpenAI is reportedly developing its first hardware product—a phone optimized for ChatGPT—and has accelerated the timeline for mass production. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will launch with a customized version of the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9600 chipset, expected later this year. The chip's standout feature is an enhanced image signal processor (ISP) with improved HDR, designed to boost real-world visual sensing. The phone will also include LPDDR6 memory, UFS 5.0 storage, and a dual-NPU architecture that can run separate AI workloads—like language processing and vision analysis—simultaneously. Kuo claims OpenAI is aiming to start mass production in early 2027, with combined shipments over 2027–2028 reaching approximately 30 million units, a target comparable to a typical Samsung flagship launch.

This aggressive ramp-up signals OpenAI's ambition to move beyond software and into integrated hardware, potentially challenging established smartphone giants. The phone's deep integration with ChatGPT could offer a truly AI-native experience, handling complex multi-modal tasks without relying on cloud connections. If successful, it could redefine how consumers interact with AI assistants on the go. However, entering the competitive phone market poses significant risks: manufacturing scale, carrier partnerships, and user adoption are all hurdles. Still, with a custom chip and tight OpenAI software integration, the device might carve out a niche for AI power users who want a phone built from the ground up for their favorite chatbot ecosystem.