The company behind ChatGPT is now setting its sights on the biggest technological revolution since the iPhone—a dedicated AI-powered device.

According to Nikkei, OpenAI is working on a hardware product designed specifically for artificial intelligence (AI), a move that could redefine consumer technology much like the iPhone did in 2007.

"We hope to achieve this through collaboration. AI represents such a fundamental shift in how humans interact with computers that it deserves its own new type of hardware," said OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman in an interview with Nikkei.

A New Era for AI Hardware

Altman, who is currently visiting Japan, is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on February 3. While OpenAI has never officially announced plans to develop AI hardware, Altman confirmed that the company is actively working on it—though it may take several years before the first prototype is released.

The iPhone revolutionized user interfaces by introducing touchscreen technology. For AI, Altman believes the breakthrough will come through voice interactions.

"I think voice should be the core element," he said when asked about the future of AI-powered devices.

Is OpenAI Developing Its Own AI Chips?

When asked whether OpenAI would develop its own semiconductor chips, Altman responded:
"We are definitely working on it."

This aligns with OpenAI’s Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative announced right after Donald Trump’s inauguration. The project, a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank Group, and Oracle, aims to build AI infrastructure in the United States.

Under the deal, OpenAI will lead the company overseeing Stargate and manage the construction and operation of AI data centers.

Partnering with Japan for AI Advancement

Regarding these ambitious plans, Altman highlighted opportunities for collaboration with Japanese companies and investors, including partnerships in semiconductor development.

He also invited Japanese businesses to participate in the Stargate initiative, signaling a global push to expand AI infrastructure and innovation.

With AI hardware and semiconductor development now on OpenAI’s roadmap, the company could be on the verge of shaping the next generation of consumer technology—one that may redefine how humans interact with AI.