ChatGPT-OpenAI phone specs, release date leak: 2nm MediaTek SoC, LPDDR6 RAM, UFS 5.0 storage, more

New insights from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say OpenAI is accelerating its push into the smartphone market, aiming to launch a smartphone defined entirely by "AI agents" rather than traditional apps.

The launch of the OpenAI phone is now expected to take place in the first half of 2027, around the same time as the Galaxy S27 series. Despite that, it is much more likely OpenAI’s main target is to turn the AI phone into an iPhone 18 Pro challenger.

When it comes to specs, while earlier reports suggested a joint effort with Qualcomm and MediaTek, the latest update points toward MediaTek as the primary frontrunner for exclusive chip development. But there’s more.

OpenAI phone key specs and release date info: Custom 2nm MediaTek Dimensity 9600 SoC, LPDDR6 memory, UFS 5.0 storage

• Processor: A customized version of the MediaTek Dimensity 9600, built on TSMC’s N2P (2-nanometer) process
• NPU architecture: A dual-NPU (neural processing unit) design to handle heterogeneous AI tasks, allowing for specialized compute for different layers of AI inference (e.g., vision-based sensing vs. language reasoning).
• Image Signal Processor (ISP): Features an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) pipeline. This is designed to improve the device’s real-world "visual perception," enabling the AI agent to continuously analyze and understand the user's physical environment.
• RAM: The device should support LPDDR6 memory; this would be critical for the massive bandwidth requirements and data flow needed for persistent agentic tasks.
• Storage: The handset will utilize UFS 5.0 storage, providing the necessary read/write speeds to prevent performance hiccups during continuous AI operations.
• pKVM (protected Kernel-based Virtual Machine): To isolate and protect sensitive user data and AI processes.

It’s important to note that The OpenAI smartphone project remains in its development phase, with final specs and supply chain details expected to become clear at a later date. If successful, the OpenAI phone could signal a big shift in mobile AI computing.

OpenAI wants to sell 30 million AI phones in 2027-2028: ChatGPT can be used to attract iPhone and Android users to OpenAI's phone

According to Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest analysis, OpenAI is targeting a production scale of 30 million units for its AI agent phone between 2027 and 2028. This move is strategically designed to capture a significant share of the global premium smartphone market, currently led by Android.

Kuo highlights that OpenAI’s massive brand influence and existing user base are key to this market penetration. Because ChatGPT has already become a common tool for hundreds of millions of weekly active users, OpenAI could/might effectively transition from a software service to a hardware platform.

By bundling the device with subscription services, OpenAI gains a "sticky" ecosystem that locks in users, similar to how Apple leverages the iPhone to drive service revenue. Or at least that’s the plan.