Previous reports suggested that OpenAI was exploring hardware such as AI-focused earbuds and possibly a phone developed with partners like MediaTek and Qualcomm. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared deeper insights into a dedicated AI agent smartphone, including timelines, specifications, and the broader strategy behind it.
OpenAI’s AI agent smartphone vision takes shape
According to Kuo, OpenAI may accelerate development of its first smartphone, targeting mass production as early as the first half of 2027. MediaTek is currently the leading candidate to supply the processor, which is expected to be a customised chip based on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 and manufactured using TSMC’s N2P process in the second half of 2026.
The hardware is said to focus heavily on AI-driven tasks, with a dual NPU architecture designed for layered computing. Memory and storage could also see upgrades with LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0, aiming to reduce bottlenecks when handling continuous AI workloads. For imaging, an enhanced ISP is expected to improve high dynamic range output, which could help the device better interpret real-world environments visually.
Kuo suggests that the device may rethink how users interact with smartphones. Instead of relying on multiple apps, the focus could shift to AI agents that handle tasks directly based on user intent. This approach may require deep integration between hardware and software, allowing OpenAI to control the entire experience without platform-level restrictions seen on existing ecosystems.
The phone is also expected to continuously process user context, which includes behaviour and usage patterns, making on-device efficiency critical. Simpler tasks could be handled locally, while more demanding processes may be executed through cloud-based AI systems.
Security features such as pKVM and inline hashing are also expected to be part of the system design. If development stays on track, shipments could reach around 30 million units across 2027 and 2028 combined.
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