Is OpenAI planning to release a mobile phone? Guo Ming-chi names MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Lumentek as key suppliers

Analyst Guo Mingchi points out that OpenAI plans to launch an AI Agent smartphone, expected to enter mass production in 2028, naming MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Lumentek as key suppliers. To provide comprehensive services, the device will be highly integrated with cloud and on-device computing, and the related supply chain is expected to see strong momentum.

Guo Mingchi states that OpenAI will launch a phone, naming MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Lumentek

Taiwanese renowned analyst Guo Mingchi, who works at Tianfeng International Securities, posted today (4/27) that OpenAI plans to redefine smart phones, has collaborated with MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop mobile processors, and also named Lumentek as the exclusive system design and manufacturing partner for the AI Agent phone, with mass production expected in 2028.

He analyzes that Lumentek’s position in Apple’s supply chain is hard to surpass Foxconn, and this project is highly significant for Lumentek, which is expected to benefit from early deployment. It is anticipated that by the end of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027, the specifications and suppliers of the phone will be decided.

Although Guo Mingchi points out that OpenAI’s AI Agent phone project is underway, details about the phone, the collaborating suppliers, and the production schedule have not yet been officially confirmed.

Image source: Guo Mingchi’s Facebook. Guo Mingchi states OpenAI will launch a phone, naming MediaTek, Qualcomm, Lumentek

OpenAI aims to integrate cloud and on-device computing, MediaTek secures major order from Google

Guo Mingchi explains that he believes the reason OpenAI is launching a phone is that only by fully controlling the operating system and hardware can comprehensive AI Agent services be provided. The phone has real-time user status information, which is a key input for instant AI inference services.

Future AI Agent phones will be highly integrated with cloud and on-device computing, with power consumption, memory tier management, and small model operation capabilities becoming critical in processor design. High-intensity computing demands will be handled by cloud AI.

Guo Mingchi expects that MediaTek and Qualcomm will benefit long-term from replacement demand. Taking MediaTek’s collaboration with Google as an example, a single AI chip’s revenue is roughly equivalent to 30 to 40 AI Agent phone processors. If targeting the global annual shipment of 300 million to 400 million high-end devices, the replacement wave will become a strong operational driver.

According to the Commercial Times, MediaTek has secured a large order for Google’s 8th generation TPU chips, using TSMC’s N3P advanced process and CoWoS-S advanced packaging technology.

Supply chain sources reveal that MediaTek has purchased additional testing equipment to increase TSMC’s CoWoS capacity. MediaTek CEO Cai Lixing expects that this year, specific application IC business will generate over 1 billion USD in revenue.

OpenAI’s first AI device may debut as early as 2026

Although early AI devices like Humane’s AI Pin mostly ended in failure, many new development attempts targeting this concept are expected to emerge in 2026.

Foreign media Axios reported in January this year that OpenAI’s global affairs head Chris Lehane revealed that hardware projects are progressing as planned, with the first device expected to launch in the second half of 2026.

Since acquiring former Apple design director Jony Ive’s company in May 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has hinted multiple times about launching an AI device.

However, this device may not resemble mainstream touchscreen smartphones but could be a screenless wearable prototype. Lehane refused to specify whether it’s a watch, glasses, or other form; Sam Altman only said that the device will be simpler and easier to use than a smartphone, with a minimalist operation that will surprise users.

As for whether the device OpenAI is preparing to release will have Qualcomm chips built-in, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon remains cautious:

“I can only say that we have been working with them, so we are very excited about the plans they are undertaking, but the device itself will be announced by them.”

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