OpenAI could launch its first AI agent smartphone in 2027 - Digital Trends

403.

OpenAI could be preparing to enter the hardware space with its first AI-focused smartphone, according to TF Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo . The device is said to be in active development, with mass production potentially targeted for the first half of 2027. While OpenAI has not officially confirmed these plans, supply chain insights by Kuo suggest the company is accelerating efforts to compete in the emerging category of AI agent-driven devices.

A New Push Into AI Hardware

The reported smartphone is expected to focus heavily on on-device AI capabilities rather than traditional smartphone features. This aligns with a broader industry trend where companies are moving toward “AI agent” devices – products designed to perform tasks, understand context, and interact more autonomously with users.

【產業調查更新】OpenAI 可能正加速首款 AI agent 手機開發，目標最快於 1H27 量產，考量原因或包括有利年底 IPO 敘事、AI agent 手機競爭加速等。目前聯發科更有可能獨家取得處理器訂單，該機預計採用基於天璣 9600 的客製版本，並於 2H26 由台積電 N2P 生產。ISP… https://t.co/EYEtbWf16X— 郭明錤｜Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) May 5, 2026

One of the key details emerging from the report is OpenAI’s potential partnership with MediaTek. The chipmaker is currently seen as the frontrunner to supply the device’s processor, which could be based on a customised version of a future Dimensity chipset. The processor is expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s next-generation process, indicating a focus on efficiency and performance.

Specs Built Around AI Workloads

Unlike conventional smartphones, this device is expected to prioritise AI-specific hardware. Reports point to a dual NPU (Neural Processing Unit) architecture, designed to handle layered AI tasks more efficiently. This could enable faster on-device processing for tasks like real-time language understanding, visual recognition, and contextual computing.Recommended Videos

Other expected specifications include LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage, aimed at reducing memory bottlenecks that can limit AI performance. There is also mention of an enhanced image signal processor (ISP), which could improve high dynamic range output and support real-world visual perception – an important factor for AI systems that rely on camera input.

Security is also expected to be a focus, with features like pKVM (protected Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and inline hashing designed to improve data integrity and device-level protection.