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Apr 27, 202621 views2 min read

OpenAI Developing AI Smartphone with Qualcomm and MediaTek Chips, Mass Production Set for 2028

OpenAI is reportedly building an AI-focused smartphone designed around AI agents rather than traditional apps. Qualcomm and MediaTek will supply chips, and Luxshare will manufacture the device, with mass production expected in 2028.

OpenAI Developing AI Smartphone with Qualcomm and MediaTek Chips, Mass Production Set for 2028
Source:MacRumors

OpenAI is developing an AI-focused smartphone that would compete directly with Apple and Google, according to reports published April 27, 2026.

The device is designed around AI agents rather than traditional apps. Instead of individual applications, the phone would use AI agents to complete tasks through a continuous, context-aware interface. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo described the smartphone as the most important input device for real-time AI agent inference because it captures a user's location, activity, communication, and context.

Qualcomm and MediaTek are the chosen partners for developing the smartphone's processing chips. Qualcomm's stock rose 7 percent following the reports. Luxshare Precision Industry, which also assembles iPhones, is set to be the exclusive manufacturing partner and will co-design the device.

Mass production is expected to begin in 2028. Chip specifications and additional suppliers are projected to be finalized by late 2026 or early 2027.

OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said the company plans to announce its first hardware product in the second half of 2026, though that initial launch is expected to be smart earbuds rather than the smartphone.

CEO Sam Altman has expressed interest in rethinking operating system and user interface design. OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's startup io earlier this year, and Ive's design influence is expected to shape the device.

A subscription-bundled business model is being considered to build a developer ecosystem around OpenAI's AI agents.

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