OpenAI is pushing into hardware, collaborating with
Qualcomm and
MediaTek to develop a smartphone aimed at challenging
Apple and
Samsung. The device is envisioned to leverage AI to enhance user experience, shifting away from traditional app reliance.
With manufacturing led by
Luxshare, OpenAI's high-end smartphone is slated for
mass production in 2028, targeting annual shipments of
300-400 million units.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent market analyst, expects specifications to be finalized by late
2026 or early
2027.
Kuo emphasized the significance of having total control over hardware and software, stating that this allows AI systems to bypass constraints often imposed by existing platforms. Currently, tools like
ChatGPT are limited by operating system permissions on
iPhone or
Android devices.
The smartphone will prioritize an
AI agent for task completion rather than traditional applications, utilizing real-time data to advance user interactions. This positioning could centralize
Qualcomm and
MediaTek in the evolving landscape of AI-driven mobile technology, as real-time processing needs grow.
Following the news of this collaboration, shares of Qualcomm increased over
6.5%, highlighting investor optimism regarding OpenAI's ambitious venture.
Sources: 
OpenAI is collaborating with Qualcomm and MediaTek to develop a custom smartphone processor, aiming to ship 300-400 million units annually by 2028 in a bid to compete with Apple's iPhone, with Luxshare set to handle manufacturing and system design.
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