OpenAI Taps MediaTek and Qualcomm to Build Its Own Phone Chips
OpenAI is developing custom smartphone processors with two major chipmakers, targeting mass production by 2028.
OpenAI isn't just building AI models anymore — it's gunning for the silicon inside your phone. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, citing latest industry checks, the company is collaborating with both MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop custom smartphone processors.
Luxshare is reportedly handling system co-design for the project. Mass production is targeted for 2028, giving OpenAI roughly two years to go from chip development to shipping hardware at scale.
The dual-chipmaker approach is notable. Working with both MediaTek and Qualcomm simultaneously suggests OpenAI wants options — or possibly different chips for different price tiers and markets.
This move signals OpenAI's ambition extends well beyond software and cloud APIs. Custom silicon optimized for its AI models could give the company a vertically integrated edge in the smartphone space, where on-device AI processing is becoming the key battleground.