OpenAI is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for artificial intelligence products with its planned release of a new flagship smartphone, rumored to be dubbed the "ChatGPT Phone." According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, mass production of this innovative device could start as early as the first half of 2027, a significant advancement from previous expectations of 2028. This announcement comes as OpenAI considers aligning the phone's launch with its anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO), now possibly rescheduled for the same year.
Fast-Tracking the AI Smartphone Production
OpenAI seems determined to accelerate its project timeline amid discussions surrounding its IPO, indicating potential plans to go public in 2027 instead of the previously targeted fourth quarter of 2023. Kuo reveals that this next-generation smartphone will run on a customized version of MediaTek's 2nm Dimensity 9600 application processor, which is set to be manufactured by TSMC in the latter half of this year.
Powerful Custom Processor for Enhanced Performance
The upcoming device is expected to boast flagship specifications, including LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage, which would ensure top-notch performance. Notably, the custom Dimensity 9600 processor is anticipated to feature a dual-NPU (Neural Processing Unit) architecture. This innovative design will allow the smartphone to manage various AI tasks simultaneously, improving efficiency and battery life compared to a single NPU setup.
Kuo also highlights the processor's Image Signal Processor (ISP) as a standout feature, equipped with an enhanced HDR pipeline that promises superior visual sensing capabilities.
Ambitious Shipment Goals for the New Device
If development continues as planned, OpenAI aims to ship around 30 million units of its AI smartphone during the 2027-2028 period. The exclusive assembly of the phone will be handled by contract manufacturer Luxshare, who has been selected as a co-design partner for this project.
Mockup of OpenAI's Agent Task Stream versus the iPhone's App Icon Grid. | Image by Ming-Chi Kuo
As previously reported, former Apple chief designer Jony Ive is rumored to be involved in crafting the design of this smartphone. A mockup showcased by Kuo on X last month illustrates how the conventional app icon grid may be transformed into a task-oriented interface, featuring a list of AI-driven tasks with a circular status indicator for progress tracking.
OpenAI's ambitious shipping target aligns with previous sales figures of flagship devices from other major manufacturers, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.
Revolutionary Features to Change User Experience
OpenAI appears confident in its ability to deliver this innovative smartphone, designed for tech-savvy users willing to embrace an AI-driven approach to smartphone functionality. This new device aims to shift away from traditional app navigation, allowing users to communicate with their phones verbally or letting the device autonomously understand and execute tasks.
By leveraging agentic AI, the ChatGPT Phone will offer a more intuitive user experience, transforming digital assistants from reactive tools into proactive partners in productivity. This technology could revolutionize how users interact with their smartphones, handling complex tasks seamlessly.
In addition to the smartphone, OpenAI is reportedly exploring other AI-powered products including smart glasses, earbuds, and a smart lamp, signaling a broader commitment to innovation in consumer technology.
