OpenAI is moving toward a hardware-centric ecosystem while its software partners expand their reach into the generative AI interface. Recent reports suggest the company is accelerating plans for a dedicated smartphone, even as Etsy launches a native application within ChatGPT to transform the platform into a conversational shopping destination.
According to details shared by supply chain analyst Ming-Ch-Kuo and reported by The Verge, OpenAI is "fast-tracking" a new mobile device. The company aims to begin mass production of the hardware in early 2027.
Kuo's report indicates the device will utilize a customized version of MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 chip. This processor is expected to debut later this fall, following the Dimensity 9500 found in current flagship devices like the Vivo X300 Pro.
Advanced AI hardware and integrated commerce
The rumored smartphone's technical specifications focus heavily on visual and linguistic processing. Kuo noted that the device's headline feature will be an enhanced image signal processor (ISP) designed to improve real-world visual sensing through enhanced HDR.
To handle simultaneous AI tasks, the hardware may feature a "dual-NPU architecture" capable of running language and vision computations at once. The device is also expected to include LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage. Analysts suggest a massive scale for this project, with Kuo forecasting that combined shipments for 2027–2028 could reach approximately 30 million units.
While OpenAI builds its hardware foundation, Etsy is expanding its footprint within the existing ChatGPT ecosystem. TechCrunch reports that Etsy has launched its app directly within ChatGPT to facilitate a conversational shopping experience.
This integration allows users to interact with the marketplace through natural language, moving beyond traditional search interfaces. The move is part of Etsy's broader strategy to push deeper into artificial intelligence capabilities.
