Amid a wave of generative AI moving from software into hardware, OpenAI is ramping up plans for consumer AI devices. On 2025‑09‑19 reports surfaced that OpenAI has hired multiple hardware experts from Apple and signed a contract manufacturing agreement with Apple supplier Luxshare Precision (Luxshare). The Information reported exclusively that OpenAI has recruited members of Apple’s design, manufacturing, supply‑chain and AI research teams, offering equity incentives in excess of $1 million to reduce bureaucratic friction and attract talent. The move signals OpenAI’s shift from a software‑centric model such as ChatGPT toward a hardware ecosystem; the first product is expected in 2026 and will focus on AI‑enhanced wearables. AppleInsider analyzed that the departures could weaken Apple’s AR/VR hardware squad while injecting consumer‑electronics expertise into OpenAI, positioning it to challenge products like Apple Vision Pro and AirPods. As an extension of Jony Ive’s (former Apple design chief) collaboration with OpenAI, the strategy is reportedly valued at more than $10 billion and could reshape the AI hardware landscape.
OpenAI’s hardware ambitions trace back to its "superintelligence" vision. Since Jony Ive joined in 2024, OpenAI launched the "Device One" project to build AI‑native consumer hardware. The Information cited people familiar with the matter saying OpenAI has poached more than 10 Apple experts, including design vice president Tang Tan and supply‑chain head Mike Rockwell, with compensation packages reaching $1.5 million per year. These hires previously led hardware development and manufacturing‑chain optimization for Apple Vision Pro. Separately, OpenAI has signed an agreement with Luxshare, which manufactures roughly 70% of Apple’s AirPods and Vision Pro units. Tom's Hardware reported the deal covers prototype production and supply‑chain support; OpenAI’s first device is expected to enter mass production in Q2 2026 with a price range of $499–$799. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted on X: “Hardware is the next frontier for AI, and we are building a seamless experience.”
The hiring spree accelerates OpenAI’s hardware strategy. In 2024, OpenAI acquired the hardware startup Io (co‑founded by Jony Ive) in a deal valued at $6.5 billion. 9to5Mac reported that recruiting focuses on Apple’s AR/VR teams with aims to develop "AI glasses" or "smart earbuds" integrating GPT‑5 real‑time vision processing. Details of the Luxshare agreement reportedly include OpenAI providing AI chip designs while Luxshare handles assembly and supply‑chain operations, with annual capacity up to 10 million units. The Indian Express noted the collaboration circumvents Apple‑exclusive terms, with Luxshare allocating about 10% of capacity to OpenAI. Seeking Alpha analyzed that OpenAI’s hardware push stems from software limits—ChatGPT needs device support—and the inaugural product may be AI‑enhanced smart glasses positioned against the $2,999 Apple Vision Pro.
Market forces underlie OpenAI’s hardware pivot. Gartner projects the AI hardware market will reach $100 billion in 2025, with consumer products accounting for about 40%. Ive’s arrival supplies design expertise—he led work on the iPhone and Apple Watch. Neowin reported the hired team includes Apple supply‑chain specialists to address OpenAI’s manufacturing gaps. Product concepts mentioned include glasses with integrated cameras supporting Meta AI‑style visual features (such as translating street signs), an EMG wristband for gesture control, and roughly eight hours of battery life. iGeeksBlog predicted a $599 price point, positioning the device as a challenger to Ray‑Ban Meta glasses.
The impact on Apple could be material. AppleInsider said talent losses may weaken the Vision Pro team, and departures like Rockwell’s could delay AR projects. Luxshare’s reallocation of capacity may affect Apple’s supply chain, with AirPods output potentially dropping by about 10% in 2025. OpenAI stands to benefit from the influx of consumer‑electronics know‑how, accelerating its transition from software toward an ecosystem model. LinkedIn postings indicate OpenAI has hired more than 50 hardware engineers, with valuations reportedly exceeding $20 billion.
The industry implications are broad. The AI hardware market for 2025 is estimated at $50–100 billion in different reports; some coverage suggests OpenAI could capture as much as 20% of the emerging consumer segment. Competition is intensifying—Google’s Project Astra glasses were previewed on 9/17 and integrate Gemini. Key challenges include privacy concerns (cameras always on) and supply‑chain stability; OpenAI has pledged end‑to‑end encryption.
Looking ahead, OpenAI’s hardware push could usher in an "AI wearables" era. Altman said: “Hardware makes AI ubiquitous.” The tech world is watching OpenAI’s leap from ChatGPT toward becoming a hardware player.
Sources：
- The Information: "OpenAI Raids Apple for Hardware Talent, Manufacturing Partners" (https://www.theinformation.com/articles/openai‑raids‑apple‑hardware‑talent‑manufacturing‑partners, 2025‑09‑19)。
- AppleInsider: "Apple veterans are bailing for OpenAI's wild AI hardware dream" (https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/19/openai‑is‑raiding‑apples‑talent‑and‑manufacturing‑pool‑for‑its‑wild‑ai‑hardware‑dream, 2025‑09‑19)。
- Seeking Alpha: "OpenAI poaches Apple's hardware talent, manufacturing partners for new device: report" (https://seekingalpha.com/news/4496614‑openai‑poaches‑apples‑hardware‑talent‑manufacturing‑partners‑for‑new‑device‑report, 2025‑09‑19)。