OpenAI Launches Codex Micro, Its First Hardware Product — A $230 AI Keyboard for Coders

Jul 23, 2026

OpenAI has launched its first hardware product, the Codex Micro, a $230 programmable macro pad built with Work Louder. Designed for power users of ChatGPT and Codex, the device features 13 mechanical keys and color-coded status lights, selling out within 24 hours of release. However, the launch is complicated by a major Apple lawsuit accusing OpenAI of trade secret theft, even as OpenAI reportedly plans further smart home hardware with former Apple engineers.

Codex Micro hardware launch

▪The Codex Micro hardware sold out in less than 24 hours after its launch.
▪OpenAI launched its first hardware product, a $230 compact macro pad named Codex Micro, developed in collaboration with specialty keyboard designer Work Louder.

Apple trade secret lawsuit

▪The ongoing legal dispute between Apple and OpenAI over intellectual property theft has raised doubts about OpenAI's broader hardware ambitions.
▪Apple sued OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence lab of trade secret theft and poaching former Apple employees for confidential product details.

Device features customization options

▪Users can customize the Codex Micro keys, backlighting, and assigned ChatGPT sessions directly through a dedicated Micro tab within the ChatGPT interface.
▪The Codex Micro uses color-coded RGB lighting where white indicates idle, blue means thinking, green means completed, and red indicates an error.
▪The Codex Micro features 13 mechanical switches, including six translucent agent keys, six command keys, a rotary dial, and a small joystick.

Developer reviewer criticism

▪Redditors and independent reviewers criticized the Codex Micro, calling it a prank or gag product and arguing its $230 price is hard to justify.
▪The independent outlet Aftermath published a harsh review of the Codex Micro, stating the $230 price tag is difficult to justify next to cheaper alternatives.

ChatGPT power user targeting

▪The Codex Micro is designed specifically for power users of ChatGPT and Codex who manage multiple AI agents and coding tasks simultaneously.
▪OpenAI announced in June 2026 that Codex had surpassed 5 million weekly active users, representing a sixfold growth since February 2026.

Future smart home products

▪OpenAI had previously teased a screen-free hardware device being developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
▪OpenAI is reportedly developing a screenless smart home speaker designed to pair with ChatGPT, built in collaboration with former Apple engineers.