Despite facing its second trade secret theft lawsuit in over a year, OpenAI still plans to unveil its first hardware product in 2026 and release it in 2027, according to Bloomberg. Apple filed suit last Friday accusing OpenAI and several former Apple employees of stealing confidential hardware information for its consumer-device ambitions, alleging a "pattern of theft" normalized by leadership.

This follows a separate case from startup iy O amended to include trade secret misappropriation claims. However, a person familiar with the matter says OpenAI believes it remains on track for its announcement timeline, though that could change as the company digests Apple's claims.

Since announcing its partnership with Jony Ive's io Products in May 2025, rumors have circulated about the device. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a compact, screenless neck-worn product with cameras and microphones, though OpenAI has since stated in court filings its first product will not be an in-ear or wearable device, alluding to plans for multiple devices.