Is OpenAI planning to release a mobile phone? Ming-Chi Kuo names key suppliers including MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Luxshare.

Analyst郭明錤指出， OpenAI plans to launch an AI Agent mobile phone, expected to enter mass production in 2028, and names 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.

郭明錤 says OpenAI will launch a phone, naming MediaTek, Qualcomm, Lumentek

Taiwanese renowned analyst郭明錤, working at Tianfeng International Securities, posted today (4/27) that OpenAI plans to redefine smart phones, has collaborated with MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop phone 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 analyzed that Lumentek’s position in Apple’s supply chain is hard to surpass Foxconn, and this project is highly significant for Lumentek, potentially benefiting from early deployment. It is expected that by late 2026 or the first quarter of 2027, the specifications and suppliers for the phone will be decided.

Although郭明錤 pointed out that OpenAI’s AI Agent phone project is underway, details about the phone, the collaborating suppliers, and production schedules have not yet been officially confirmed.

Image source:郭明錤 Facebook　郭明錤 states OpenAI will launch a phone, naming MediaTek, Qualcomm, Lumentek

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

郭明錤 explained 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 tiering, and small model operation capabilities becoming critical in processor design. High-intensity computing demands will be handled by cloud AI.

郭明錤 expects MediaTek and Qualcomm to 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 300 million to 400 million high-end devices annually worldwide, 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 revealed that MediaTek has purchased additional testing equipment, increasing TSMC’s CoWoS capacity demand. CEO蔡力行 of MediaTek expects that this year, the 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 attempts like Humane’s AI Pin and other AI devices mostly ended in failure, many new developments targeting this concept are expected to emerge in 2026.

Foreign media Axios reported in January 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 repeatedly hinted at 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 plans to release will have Qualcomm chips built-in, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon’s attitude is cautious:

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

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