OpenAI is fast-tracking production of an AI-focused smartphone, with mass production set to begin in the first half of 2027. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the company could manufacture 30 million units over 2027 and 2028. The device aims to use AI agents in place of traditional apps.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated on X that OpenAI is accelerating development of an 'AI agent phone.' He forecasts mass production starting in the first half of 2027, potentially yielding 30 million devices through 2028 if plans proceed smoothly. Kuo, a Hong Kong-based analyst at TF International Securities known for accurate predictions on Apple products, highlighted the shift as OpenAI rethinks its entry into the phone market. An OpenAI representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The phone will feature a customized Dimensity 9600 chipset from MediaTek, serving as the sole processor supplier. It includes dual-NPU architecture for specialized AI tasks like image enhancement and object detection, plus an enhanced image signal processor for high dynamic range imaging. Kuo noted partnerships with Qualcomm and Luxshare for semiconductors and components. The software emphasizes strong memory and security features. This move comes as OpenAI pivots toward hardware to enable AI agents that simplify tasks, information access, and entertainment without conventional apps. Despite surveys showing limited consumer enthusiasm for AI phone features, popular models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro integrate AI. Grand View Research projects the global AI smartphone market expanding from 52.1 million units in 2023 to nearly 1.9 billion by 2030.
