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Qualcomm surges on report of OpenAI tie-up for AI smartphone processors
Reuters | April 28, 2026 3:38 AM CST

Synopsis

Qualcomm shares surged on news of a potential OpenAI smartphone processor collaboration. OpenAI is reportedly working with Qualcomm and MediaTek on an AI-focused device. Mass production is anticipated around 2028. This move signals a continued central role for smartphones in the AI era, despite other tech giants also focusing on AI integration.

Qualcomm shares jumped 13% in premarket trading on Monday after an analyst said OpenAI was working with the chip designer and Taiwan's MediaTek to develop smartphone processors.

Qualcomm and MediaTek are co-development partners for an AI-first smartphone that the ChatGPT creator is planning, with mass production likely in 2028, TF International Securities analyst ‌Ming-Chi Kuo ⁠said in ⁠a post on social media platform X.

China's Luxshare, an Apple supplier, is the exclusive ​system design and manufacturing partner for the device, according to Kuo, who is based ​in Taiwan and known for his accurate predictions on Apple's products.


The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

OpenAI has been exploring ​consumer AI devices for years and last May ⁠acquired Jony ‌Ive's startup io Products for $6.5 billion, tapping the former ​Apple designer ​to lead the efforts.

But media reports have indicated that ⁠the planned device would not be a smartphone. Altman told employees it would be a "third core device" alongside phones and laptops, the Wall Street Journal reported last year.

The loss-making startup has also pulled back from side projects to focus on coding tools for businesses - one of the few AI areas with clear commercial traction.

Launching a smartphone would pit OpenAI directly against deep-pocketed rivals Apple ‌and Samsung, which together command about a 40% share of the global market for the device.

It would also add ​to signs ​that the smartphone would ⁠likely retain its central role in people's lives in the AI era, after Reuters reported last month that Amazon was planning a fresh push ​into the handset market.

Apple shares were down 1.7%. The company last week named long-time hardware chief John Ternus as CEO, a sign that devices would continue to play a central role in its business even as it looks to catch up in offering AI to users.


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