OpenAI is reportedly preparing its own phone with a completely different approach. Apps will be replaced by AI agents

The idea that artificial intelligence will eventually displace the classic smartphone has been discussed in the industry for a long time. Nothing brand CEO Carl Pei stated at SXSW that apps will eventually disappear, and creators of so-called vibecoding tools have expressed similar views. Many manufacturers have tried to replace smartphones with other gadgets, such as a smart badge (Humane AI Pin). However, OpenAI evidently sees it differently – instead of trying to replace phones with something entirely different, it is reportedly preparing its own mobile device where AI will function as an alternative to apps. This is suggested by the latest report from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Task Stream Instead of Apps

A key feature of the upcoming phone is expected to be a completely different approach to the user interface. Kuo describes that the home screen, instead of a grid of icons, would display a list of currently ongoing tasks, which OpenAI would handle through its AI agents. This could include, for example, booking airline tickets, processing market data, or other activities that currently require manual clicking across multiple applications.

With its own hardware, OpenAI would bypass the restrictions imposed by Apple and Google on their platforms, and would also gain significantly broader access to user data. Kuo points out that the phone would need to “constantly understand the user’s context,” which likely implies some form of always-on functionality directly at the chipset level. Some tasks are expected to be handled locally by smaller models, while more demanding computations would be sent to the cloud.

Custom-made Chip and iPhone Partner

According to the analyst, OpenAI is expected to collaborate with MediaTek and Qualcomm on chipset development. Luxshare – a company that, among other things, assembles iPhones for Apple – has been chosen as the co-design and manufacturing partner. Kuo adds that the final specifications and component suppliers should be confirmed by the end of this year or no later than the first quarter of 2027. Mass production is planned for 2028, so OpenAI fans will have to wait another two years for the finished product.

The Phone Won’t Be the Only One

Last year, OpenAI acquired the startup “io” from legendary designer Jony Ive, and Sam Altman, together with Ive, announced their intention to build a “family of devices.” Therefore, there is speculation about AI headphones, a smart speaker with a camera, or an AI pen. The company is expected to introduce its first hardware product – most likely headphones – in the second half of this year. The phone will thus be just one piece of a larger plan.

OpenAI is reportedly preparing its own phone with a completely different approach. Apps will be replaced by AI agents Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The question remains whether users have a genuine interest in such a concept. Skepticism in the community is high – many recall Amazon’s ill-fated Fire Phone or the flop of the aforementioned Humane AI Pin, whose idea was similarly based on replacing apps with artificial intelligence. While ChatGPT is approaching a billion weekly users, the public’s willingness to swap the established Android or iOS system for AI will likely be much lower.

Would you get a phone without apps, where AI would handle everything for you?

Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo/X, 9to5Google, TechCrunch, GSMArena