OpenAI’s Donut-Shaped ChatGPT Speaker Could Cost Up to $400
OpenAI's portable, donut-shaped ChatGPT speaker could reportedly cost $300 to $400, feature premium metal and moving parts, and launch with LoveFrom in 2027.
Summary
Bloomberg reported on August 6, 2026, that OpenAI’s portable, donut-shaped smart speaker could cost $300 to $400 and arrive in 2027. Envisioned as a physical form of ChatGPT, it is designed to move among locations such as bedside tables and kitchen counters. Sources described high-quality metal, a premium appearance and distinct moving parts, though their purpose remains unclear.
OpenAI is developing the device with LoveFrom, the design studio founded by former Apple developer Jony Ive, to integrate ChatGPT more deeply into homes. Its reported price exceeds Amazon’s smart-speaker range of roughly $40 to $240, while a market with a history of weak profitability presents another obstacle. OpenAI’s hardware expansion also faces an Apple lawsuit alleging trade-secret theft, which OpenAI denies.
Positives
- The likely 2027 release would give OpenAI its first reported smart-home device built as a physical form of ChatGPT.
- LoveFrom, founded by former Apple developer Jony Ive, is partnering with OpenAI on the device’s design.
- High-quality metal and a premium appearance could distinguish the speaker from lower-priced smart-home products.
- The portable donut shape is intended for movement between bedside tables, kitchen counters and other locations around a home.
Risks & concerns
- The reported $300 to $400 price exceeds Amazon smart speakers, which range from about $40 to $240.
- Smart speakers have historically struggled to generate profits, making the market difficult for OpenAI to enter.
- Apple is suing OpenAI over alleged trade-secret theft, although OpenAI denies wrongdoing.
- Distinct moving parts remain unexplained, leaving a central hardware feature and its practical value unclear.
