- By Alex David
- Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Everyone has been curious about OpenAI’s hardware plans ever since the company confirmed it would enter the consumer device space. While OpenAI has already said its first AI-enabled hardware product is coming soon, a new leak now hints at what that device might actually be. Based on the latest information, OpenAI’s first step into hardware could be far simpler than many people expected.
OpenAI’s First Hardware Might Be Earbuds
According to tipster Smart Pikachu, OpenAI’s first hardware product could be a pair of AI-powered earbuds. The device is reportedly codenamed or branded as “Dime”. The leak suggests that OpenAI may initially launch a basic version of this product before moving on to a more ambitious AI-focused device later.
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The tipster also pointed to a recent patent filing linked to OpenAI that surfaced in China. That filing reportedly mentions the name Dime, strengthening the idea that earbuds could be the company’s first commercial hardware experiment.
Why OpenAI Might Start With a Simpler Device
From what I understand, OpenAI’s original vision involved a more powerful, phone-like AI device. However, that product may be facing delays due to a global HBM shortage, which has reportedly pushed the bill of materials too high. Because of this, OpenAI might launch a simpler product in 2026, with a more advanced SKU arriving later once component prices stabilise.
Earlier this year, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane revealed that the company would release its first AI-powered product before the end of 2019, but there was no specific timetable announced.
OpenAI’s AI Push Continues Alongside Hardware Plans
We don’t know much about the hardware yet but OpenAI just released GPT-5. 3-Codex released as an agent-based coding model for paid ChatGPT plans. The company says it is faster and more powerful, capable of running everything from software development to complex workflow management.