GAIA, a decentralized AI startup, has opened a limited pre-sale for its first AI-powered smartphone, blending Web3 tools, local AI execution, and privacy-first features directly into the device.
Only 7,000 units of the so-called Gaia AI Phone are available in this early batch, with prices set at $1,399. The company confirmed that a public sale will follow the initial waitlist window.
A Decentralized AI Layer on Familiar Hardware
The Gaia AI Phone runs on Galaxy S25 Edge hardware, but its real innovation lies in a new software layer created by Gaia Labs. Instead of changing the physical design, GAIA has built a decentralized AI stack between Android and applications.
This stack integrates the Gaia AI Platform, a local LLM runtime, a voice-to-agent interface, and a custom Agent Launcher for deploying personal AI agents. Each phone also comes with an on-chain identity and a pre-loaded Gaia Web3 domain, offering digital ownership from day one.
“AI inference is processed entirely on the device, ensuring privacy and reducing reliance on centralized servers,” GAIA’s co-founder and COO, Shashank Sripada, explained in an interview.
Developer Access and Open Publishing
GAIA is targeting not just end-users but also developers and AI builders. Through public GitHub repositories, the company is opening access to its node infrastructure. An agent marketplace is currently in testing, where vetted developers can deploy apps, with long-term plans for fully open publishing backed by verification systems.
Incentives for Early Buyers
Early adopters will enjoy several perks, including:
-
A pre-loaded Web3 domain
-
Priority access to AI tools and updates
-
Network rewards for contributing compute power in GAIA tokens
-
Staking options for higher-priority benefits
In addition, the first 3,000 buyers will receive a complimentary ticket to Korea Blockchain Week, adding extra value for Web3 enthusiasts.
Security and Maintenance
GAIA stressed that AI operations remain separate from individual apps and do not leave the device. Third-party audits are schedul before shipping, and software updates will initially come from GAIA, with plans for a decentralized verification model in the future.
The phones will also feature community-driven maintenance through open-source support, backed by standard hardware warranties. Full security architecture details are expected in October 2025.
Early Adoption and Ecosystem Growth
With over 10,000 subscribers already signed up on the waitlist, demand for the device is strong, though only a fraction will receive one from this initial drop.
GAIA’s long-term ambition is to build a decentralized AI ecosystem where smartphones double as both private AI hubs and contributors to a global network. If adoption takes off, the project could reshape how users interact with both AI and blockchain in everyday life.
