OpenAI plans to launch an AI-powered rechargeable speaker designed to serve as a “humanlike AI companion” by 2027, according to a report from Bloomberg. This speaker will allow users to carry it easily from room to room while providing assistance with tasks such as cooking and controlling smart home devices.
The device will feature a design that includes mechanical elements intended to create the illusion of being “alive,” despite lacking a screen. It will utilize a more advanced version of the GPT-Live model, enabling simultaneous listening and talking. The advanced processing capabilities aim to improve adaptability during conversations, allowing for more natural interactions.
OpenAI plans to equip the speaker with cameras and sensors to gather context about users’ surroundings, thereby enhancing personalized responses. The development of this device is supported by the acquisition of io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, which OpenAI purchased for $6.5 billion in 2025.
However, the release of the speaker could be delayed due to legal challenges from Apple. Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging trade secret theft. The lawsuit accuses ex-employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan of downloading confidential hardware-related files and contends that OpenAI’s interview process was aimed at soliciting proprietary information from Apple.
Apple claims that OpenAI has hired over 400 former Apple employees, including Paul Meade, who previously oversaw the Vision Pro headset’s development and now leads OpenAI’s hardware division. The ongoing litigation is seeking an injunction against OpenAI’s hardware products, which could impact the speaker’s timeline.
