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OpenAI Poaches Apple Talent to Develop Hardware Products by 2027

OpenAI's hardware push is heating up. The company is snapping up Apple talent to create a range of devices, from speakers to glasses, set to hit the market soon.

Here we can see two men and he is holding a apple device with his hands. There are stands and a...
Here we can see two men and he is holding a apple device with his hands. There are stands and a chair. This is floor. In the background we can see wall.

OpenAI Poaches Apple Talent to Develop Hardware Products by 2027

OpenAI is causing a stir in the tech industry with plans to develop its own hardware products. The company has been actively recruiting employees from Apple's design, production, and supply chain departments, causing concern within Apple's ranks.

OpenAI's first hardware product is expected to hit the market by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The company is considering a range of devices, including a displayless smart speaker, glasses, a portable pin, and a digital voice recorder. Luxshare, a Chinese supplier known for assembling iPhones and AirPods, has been chosen to assemble these initial products.

OpenAI's foray into hardware began with the acquisition of io Products in May 2025 for $6.5 billion. Tang Tan, formerly Jony Ive's chief of staff at Apple, now serves as OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer. The recruitment drive has seen over two dozen Apple employees join OpenAI, particularly in interface design, wearables, cameras, audio, manufacturing design, and supply chain management. Cyrus Daniel Irani, who spent 15 years at Apple, and other key employees like Matt Theobald and Erik de Jong are among the new recruits. Apple has reacted with concern, even canceling an annual offsite meeting in China due to poaching fears.

OpenAI's hardware ambitions are taking shape, with a range of devices in consideration and a major supplier lined up for production. The recruitment of Apple employees signals a significant shift in the tech industry, with potential implications for both companies' future product offerings and market positions.

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