OpenAI's first hardware is coming, but it may be "not so AI"?
OpenAI plans to launch its first consumer-grade hardware "Dime," but due to the global storage chip crisis, the product specifications may be downgraded to a cloud-dependent "basic headset." The design originally intended to feature a high-performance Exynos chip has been forced to adjust, and the initial product release will be delayed in achieving the goal of a "portable AI computing center." Despite the challenges, OpenAI still views hardware as a priority project, with an expected release in September 2026 and a target sales volume of 40 to 50 million units. At the same time, OpenAI is also developing a second device "Gumdrop."
After establishing a dominant position in the generative AI software field, OpenAI is attempting to extend its influence to hardware terminals. However, the AI giant's first consumer device is facing adjustments due to "specification downgrades."
Due to the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost surge caused by the global storage chip crisis, this device, which carries OpenAI's ambition for "edge intelligence," is likely to be downgraded to a cloud-dependent "basic headset" at launch.
From "Independent Terminal" to "Basic Headset"
According to the well-known tech leak source Smart Pikachu, OpenAI's first hardware, internally codenamed "Sweetpea," has been named "Dime" for the consumer market.
The original technical blueprint for this product was highly disruptive: it was planned to be equipped with Samsung's 2nm process Exynos chip, granting the headset smartphone-like independent computing power for complex edge AI processing. However, this vision is hitting a "cost wall" in the supply chain. The ongoing high prices of storage components have led to uncontrollable BOM costs for high-spec chip solutions.
Out of commercial rationality, OpenAI is forced to adjust its strategy. Smart Pikachu revealed that the first generation of Dime may strip away the "smartphone-like" high computing power attributes, reverting to a "simple headset" product form.
This means that the anticipated "portable AI computing center" will be delayed, and the initial product is likely to merely serve as a conduit for cloud-based large models.
Manufactured in Vietnam with a 50 Million Unit Target
Despite the compromise in product definition, OpenAI's commercial push is exceptionally aggressive. Company executive Lehane clearly listed hardware as the highest priority project at the Davos Forum.
According to a previous report by Taiwan's Economic Daily, OpenAI is likely to officially launch the product in September 2026, possibly produced by Foxconn in Vietnam, with a sales target of 40 to 50 million units in the first year.
Second Consumer Device
In addition to the headset, OpenAI is also developing a second consumer device codenamed "Gumdrop." This device resembles a pen or an Apple iPod Shuffle, featuring a screenless design and focusing on environmental perception and interaction. Its core functions include:
- Contextual awareness through cameras and microphones;
- Running locally customized AI models, supplemented by cloud computing support;
- Supporting the instant conversion of handwritten notes into text and uploading them to ChatGPT;
- Having inter-device communication capabilities similar to smartphones.
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