Leading AI companies have started developing their own smartphones, according to Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. In an interview with Fireside Alpha, Amon said these firms want phones capable of running 100 billion parameter models continuously in the background. They aim to bring these devices to market by 2028.
OpenAI appears to be the furthest along. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities reported that the company is actively developing an AI-first smartphone. The device will reportedly use a customized MediaTek Dimensity 9600 chip built on TSMC’s N2P node. Luxshare Precision Industry will handle manufacturing, while Sunny Optical has secured camera component orders.
Qualcomm CEO reveals AI companies want phones running 100-billion-parameter models continuously by 2028–and confirms some are building phones
Cristiano Amon: “I have to be careful not to disclose names, but some AI companies—some of the companies at the forefront of AI—are… https://t.co/wRF16LqEcp pic.twitter.com/3Gded1a9Ld
— Fireside Alpha (@firesidealpha) October 10, 2026
Kuo initially projected mass production for 2028 but later moved the timeline to early 2027. He estimates around 30 million combined shipments across 2027 and 2028. The accelerated schedule reportedly reflects OpenAI’s planned IPO and rising competition in the AI phone category.
Furthermore, the device will feature dual AI processors for handling vision and language tasks simultaneously. It also includes an enhanced HDR image signal processor, high-speed memory, and built-in security features. Kuo argues the phone will replace traditional apps with AI agents that complete tasks directly for users.
OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s hardware startup io for $6.5 billion in May 2025. That deal brought 55 specialists into the company. Additionally, OpenAI has hired over 40 former Apple employees. In response, Apple reportedly offered its iPhone Product Design team retention bonuses of up to $400,000 in restricted stock units.
Meanwhile, Amon revealed that Qualcomm works with “pretty much all” major AI companies on new devices. He also disclosed “secret form factors” under development, including smart glasses, jewelry, and pendants. Samsung and Apple now face competition not just from Chinese brands but also from AI-native companies entering the hardware space.
Sam Altman described a prototype to employees as “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.” However, OpenAI has not officially confirmed the smartphone project.
