OpenAI to Launch a $300 Doughnut-Shaped Speaker by 2027

Overview

• OpenAI is preparing to launch its first consumer product, a doughnut-shaped smart speaker without a display, expected to retail between $300 and $400.
• The device is anticipated to be available by 2027 and is designed for easy portability and voice interaction.
• This announcement comes amid a lawsuit from Apple alleging the theft of hardware trade secrets, which OpenAI is contesting.

OpenAI is set to unveil its first consumer device, a unique doughnut-shaped smart speaker that lacks a screen and is similar in size to a hockey puck, according to Bloomberg. The device is designed for convenience, allowing users to easily hold it or place it on various surfaces.

This battery-operated speaker will include speaker grilles and microphones for voice commands, with lights to signal its operational status. Additionally, it will feature a camera and environmental sensors to enhance its AI capabilities.

A distinctive aspect of the speaker's design is its movable parts that will respond dynamically, contrasting with the static designs of existing smart speakers from competitors like Amazon and Google. OpenAI envisions this device as an AI-focused computer that will operate similarly to ChatGPT's voice interface.

The projected price for the speaker will be between $300 and $400, making it more expensive than most smart speakers but less than a typical smartphone. This hardware has been developed in collaboration with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, utilizing premium materials. OpenAI's acquisition of Ive's startup, io, for $6.4 billion in May 2025, reflects its commitment to high-quality design. Reports also indicate that OpenAI is working with Qualcomm and MediaTek on a smartphone chip.

Legal Challenges from Apple

This product announcement follows a lawsuit filed by Apple in July, which accuses OpenAI of misappropriating hardware trade secrets in a California court. The lawsuit names former Apple employees and alleges that OpenAI solicited a supplier for a specific metal finishing technique, although it is unclear if this relates directly to the speaker.

OpenAI has rejected these accusations, describing the lawsuit as "careless, aggressive, and oddly personal" in a blog post. They argue that Apple has confused two employees with similar names and have submitted evidence that contradicts Apple's claims. A motion to dismiss the lawsuit has been filed by OpenAI.

Apple is also seeking a preliminary injunction that could limit OpenAI's activities while the legal proceedings are ongoing, potentially affecting the launch timeline of the speaker. OpenAI plans to announce the speaker this year and aims to begin shipping it by 2027, although a spokesperson declined to comment on the product's specifics.

While OpenAI's vision for integrating AI into everyday life has sparked interest, it has also faced skepticism online. Recently, CEO Sam Altman suggested a "cool use case" for its ChatGPT Work agent, which could integrate family calendars to produce a podcast about family events. However, this idea has met with considerable criticism regarding the implications of AI on personal interactions.