OpenAI Launches Codex Micro Keypad Amid Apple Trade Secrets Lawsuit
OpenAI released its first hardware product, the Codex Micro keypad, on July 15, 2026, while facing a lawsuit from Apple over alleged trade secret theft related to its main hardware project.
This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.
OpenAI has entered the hardware market with the launch of the Codex Micro, a specialized keypad designed for its coding platform Codex. The device, priced at $230, is a collaboration with keyboard maker Work Louder and is available today in limited quantities through OpenAI's Supply Co store and Work Louder's website.
The Codex Micro features 13 mechanical switches, a joystick, a dial, and a touch sensor. Six frosted keys are equipped with LEDs that display the status of the Codex agent—indicating states such as complete, needs feedback, running, or error. Command keys provide shortcuts for actions like push-to-talk, accept or reject changes, and send. The package includes 32 additional keycaps with Codex icons. The joystick is designed for navigating workflows, and the dial adjusts the reasoning level. All controls can be configured from the ChatGPT desktop app.
The keypad bears a strong resemblance to Work Louder's Creator Micro 2 and a similar pad the company produced with Figma in 2023. OpenAI did not specify the number of units in this limited-run collaboration.
The launch comes as OpenAI is embroiled in a legal dispute with Apple. Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets related to its main hardware project—a portable, screenless smart speaker with moving mechanical elements that integrates ChatGPT. The project, developed in collaboration with designer Jony Ive, is rumored to launch in 2027. The lawsuit specifically names OpenAI employees Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu, both former Apple employees, as having stolen trade secrets. OpenAI has denied the allegations.
This is OpenAI's first hardware product, though the company has been expanding its software ecosystem. The Codex app has evolved into a so-called "super app" that combines ChatGPT, Codex, and ChatGPT Work. The Codex Micro is intended to enhance the coding experience with the platform.