OpenAI and Jony Ive: An AI Smartphone for 2027

After making a significant impact on the world of artificial intelligence with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI appears poised to revolutionize the smartphone industry by 2027. This is suggested by Ming Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst in the tech field. OpenAI, which has already expressed its intention to venture into hardware, has partnered with Jony Ive, the former head of design at Apple, to bring this ambitious project to fruition. While details about the upcoming devices remain vague, Kuo's recent statements indicate that OpenAI may be heading towards the creation of its own smartphone.

A Launch Planned for 2027

According to Ming Chi Kuo, the smartphone currently in development at OpenAI is designed to allow users to delegate tasks directly to artificial intelligence, rather than going through applications. This innovative approach would result in a radically different interface from those of Android and iOS, replacing traditional app grids with streams of actions or tasks managed by AI.

In a recent post on X, Kuo revealed that OpenAI has decided to accelerate the development of this project, with mass production now expected in the first half of 2027. He also mentioned that OpenAI might collaborate with MediaTek to equip this smartphone with a modified Dimensity 9600 chip, manufactured in 2 nm by TSMC. The smartphone's camera would be optimized to enhance the AI's perception of the environment. Additionally, OpenAI's smartphone would feature two neural processing units (NPUs), unlike conventional devices that typically have only one.

High Production Ambitions

If the information provided by Ming Chi Kuo is confirmed, this smartphone could enable OpenAI to overcome the limitations of current products by offering hardware specifically optimized for the intended uses of its artificial intelligence. For instance, the integration of a dual NPU could allow the smartphone to handle more AI tasks locally, thereby reducing reliance on OpenAI's servers.

Furthermore, the creator of ChatGPT seems to have ambitious commercial goals. Kuo indicates that the company aims to ship 30 million units between 2027 and 2028, reflecting OpenAI's confidence in the potential of its product.

A Shared Vision by Sam Altman and Jony Ive

These rumors have surprised some observers, as until now, it was expected that OpenAI would innovate with new product categories rather than launching a smartphone or computer. However, the description provided by Ming Chi Kuo seems aligned with the vision that Sam Altman and Jony Ive shared in 2025. "Computers now see, think, and understand. Despite this unprecedented capability, our experience remains shaped by traditional products and interfaces," they explained. This vision could very well materialize with the launch of this revolutionary smartphone, which promises to redefine our interaction with technology.