OpenAI is preparing a revolutionary “smart” speaker: price, features, and legal battles

Technology giant OpenAI, known for its achievements in artificial intelligence, is preparing to launch an innovative home device that promises to become a true control center for the “smart” home. According to preliminary data, the portable smart speaker from OpenAI, which has been in development for several years, could go on sale as early as 2027. However, the potential price of the new product is already sparking lively discussion: it is expected to cost between $300 and $400. This is significantly higher than most devices in this class on the modern market, even premium models, which could present a challenge for the company in terms of consumer perception.

Price expectations and market reaction

According to information circulating in professional circles, the estimated price of the portable smart speaker from OpenAI is in the $300–400 range. Such a price bracket places the device in a higher league compared with competitors. By comparison, the most popular smart speaker models from leading global manufacturers, which offer broad functionality, often cost significantly less. Even flagship offerings positioned as premium rarely reach the upper end of the projected price for OpenAI’s speaker.

Market experts suggest that such a high price may be linked to the use of advanced technologies and unique software developments. However, Engadget, which first reported the pricing expectations, notes that the reaction of potential buyers to such a cost even before the official launch could become an important signal for OpenAI. The company may be forced to revisit its pricing strategy to make the product more competitive and accessible to a wider range of consumers. At present, there are no official comments from OpenAI regarding pricing policy.

Vision for the future of home assistants

The new OpenAI device is being viewed as a next-generation home AI computer. At its core will be the powerful ChatGPT language model, enabling it to perform a wide range of tasks. The speaker is expected to effectively control smart home elements, play music, provide detailed answers to user questions, process messages, and carry out many other functions that make everyday life easier.

Notably, the device will not have a traditional screen, underscoring its focus on voice interaction and intuitive use. Instead, it will be equipped with a camera and various sensors that will allow it to analyze the surrounding environment, understand context, and adapt to the user’s needs. A built-in battery will provide mobility, making it easy to move the device from room to room.

To ensure high sound quality and максимально natural interaction, OpenAI is actively working on its own audio interface. During November and December 2025, the company carried out a major consolidation of engineering, product, and research teams with the goal of relaunching its audio models. This demonstrates how seriously OpenAI is approaching audio innovation.

A key ambition of the developers is to create a device that can gradually learn its owner’s habits, better understand their needs, and proactively suggest relevant information. To do this, the speaker will have access to the user’s personal data, such as emails, allowing it to provide more relevant and personalized responses.

“Human-like” interaction and an innovative voice system

One of the most important features of the future device is expected to be its ability to interact in a “human-like” way. For this, OpenAI is developing a new voice system, GPT-Live, which will be able to listen and speak at the same time, support more natural dialogue, and respond to user requests instantly. This means that communication with the speaker will be much less mechanical and more like talking to a person.

Thanks to this system, the speaker will be able not only to execute commands, but also to hold meaningful conversations, clarify information, make suggestions, and even show some form of empathy. This opens up new horizons for interaction between humans and artificial intelligence in a home environment.

Apple design genius behind OpenAI’s development

The team responsible for the development of this new revolutionary product is io Products, which OpenAI acquired last year for a substantial sum of $6.5 billion. This startup was founded by Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief designer, who was behind iconic products such as the iPhone and iPad.

The development team also includes other prominent former Apple employees. Among them are Tang Tan, former head of iPhone design, Evans Hankey, former head of industrial design at Apple, and Paul Meade, who was actively involved in the development of the Vision Pro headset. Such a star-studded group of engineers and designers gives reason to hope for a truly innovative and aesthetically appealing product that could set new standards in the industry.

Legal challenges and potential delays

Despite ambitious plans and significant investment, OpenAI has encountered an unexpected obstacle. In early July 2026, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of using trade secrets in the development of its new devices. Apple claims that OpenAI unlawfully obtained and used confidential information belonging to the company, which could affect the development of its own products.

OpenAI, in turn, categorically denies these allegations. The company says it does not use any Apple technologies and has no evidence to support the lawsuit. OpenAI emphasized its commitment to fair competition and the free movement of employees between companies, but also считает that Apple’s accusations are unfounded.

According to Bloomberg, this legal process could delay the launch of OpenAI’s first device on the market. Details of the proceedings and their impact on the release timeline remain unknown. However, it is already clear that the standoff between the tech giants could have significant consequences for the future of the smart home device market and the development of artificial intelligence.