OpenAI will reportedly transfer manufacturing of its first AI-powered consumer device to Foxconn to accelerate plans to launch new products designed by former Apple designer Jony Ive. This move encourages a shift away from Chinese-based production and the creation of a more diversified supply chain. According to a report in Taiwan-based media UDN, OpenAI has moved the project from Luxshare to Foxconn due to concerns about manufacturing in mainland China. The device is currently expected to be assembled in Vietnam or the United States, in line with OpenAI's desire to avoid China-centric production.
OpenAI's first consumer device is codenamedgumdrop '
The product, known internally as “Gumdrop,” is still in the design stage. The report says a commercial launch is unlikely before 2026 or 2027.The move also expands Foxconn's role in OpenAI's hardware plans. Foxconn is already a major manufacturing partner for companies like Apple and Google, assembling products such as iPhone and Pixel smartphones. Securing OpenAI's consumer hardware project could be a new growth driver for the Taiwanese manufacturer, which is also active in building AI servers.According to the report, the next device could take the form of a smartpen or a small wearable audio product similar in size to the iPod Shuffle. It may include a microphone and camera to help you understand your surroundings and support features like converting handwritten notes directly to ChatGPT.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously talked about building an “environmentally aware” AI companion device that goes beyond traditional smartphones. We also suggested a simple and playful design.
