OpenAI launched its first piece of consumer hardware in July 2026 — not the much-discussed AI device in development with former Apple designer Jony Ive, but a compact control pad built for its coding platform, Codex. The device, called Codex Micro, is a limited-run collaboration with keyboard maker Work Louder and is priced at $230.
The Codex Micro is a square-shaped block featuring 13 mechanical switches, a joystick, a dial, and a touch sensor. Its design closely resembles Work Louder’s existing Creator Micro 2. Six frosted keys display a live status view of Codex agent threads, using different colors to indicate whether a task is complete, running, awaiting feedback, or has hit an error. Additional command keys can be assigned to actions such as push-to-talk, accepting or rejecting changes, and sending messages. The device also ships with 32 Codex-branded keycaps.
The joystick can be used to start common workflows, while the dial adjusts reasoning level. OpenAI says all controls are configurable through the ChatGPT desktop app. Work Louder cofounder Mike Di Genova explained the device’s features in a video accompanying the announcement.
Codex Micro is available through Supply Co while supplies last. OpenAI did not disclose how many units are part of the limited run.
The product is separate from OpenAI’s broader hardware effort with Ive, which is reported to be some kind of smart speaker for interacting with ChatGPT and is rumored to launch next year. That project drew renewed attention this week after Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing hardware secrets — allegations OpenAI said are without merit.
For developers already using the Codex platform, the Micro pad may offer a more tactile way to monitor and manage multiple AI coding agents simultaneously.
Source: The Verge