OpenAI Could Delay Its Screen-Less AI Device Launch To 2027: Here’s The Reason

OpenAI has been busy growing its data capability to have more people use ChatGPT and even got a cheaper version for markets like India. But the main growth story for the company involves AI hardware devices

and for that Sam Altman and Co. have invested billions in Jony Ive’s company and for his experience.

But the big product launch from OpenAI that is likely to be screen-less and not a wearable is facing delays because of the challenges faced by the company. Both Ive and Altman had announced the product plans earlier this year, which tagged along with a strange looking press image. The new device is going to be the latest in the market looking to tap into the AI hype. 

OpenAI Device Launch Delayed: But Why? 

The details about the device launch have been mentioned by Financial Times in a new report. The delays are being attributed to challenges with the focus of the product and also how to design its use case. ChatGPT is going to be a core part of how that screen-less AI gadget works, and for that, OpenAI needs more computing power (more GPUs) which puts extra strain on the network and its servers that are already facing heavy traffic. 

This is where OpenAI could struggle to compete in the hardware space with giants like Amazon (for Alexa) and Google (Gemini) having the resources and support to play the long game. 

Making AI Work 

While the design challenges can be tackled gradually, the other big aspect of the OpenAI device will be the AI interface and how it operates among the people. You have a screen-less device (possibly with a camera and mic) that sees and listens to everything around you.

This becomes a privacy issue and the company (along with Ive) have to find the best way to tackle those concerns and give a product that is not overly invasive. 

When you factor in all these demands, and the ability to agree on them, the product launch delay doesn’t seem too surprising.

The report claims OpenAI may have to push its announcement from 2026 to early 2027 and that seems like a more possible timeline for the product. And by then we do expect Apple to have brushed up its AI tools and deliver a model that can rival the best out there.