OpenAI’s push into consumer hardware, centered on its $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s io startup, has faced a key timeline shift. A recent court filing confirmed the first device will not ship before late February 2027, tempering earlier expectations of a late-2026 reveal or release for a screenless AI companion like a portable smart speaker with sensors and moving elements. Supply-chain reports point to Luxshare manufacturing and prototypes already tested, yet historical challenges in dedicated AI gadgets and competition from Meta’s pending pendant underscore execution risks. Traders are watching for any late-2026 announcement that could still occur ahead of the shipping delay.