OpenAI is reportedly working on a new AI-powered hardware product, signaling a major push beyond software and into consumer wearables. According to a fresh leak, the company is developing an AirPods-style audio wearable codenamed “Sweetpea,” designed to integrate ChatGPT directly into everyday audio interactions.
The device is said to feature a unique and unconventional design, potentially setting it apart from existing wireless earbuds on the market.
‘Sweetpea’ audio wearable: Design and form factor details
Shared by tipster @zhihuipikachu on X, the Sweetpea device is described as a special audio product with a metal “eggstone” aesthetic, incorporating pill-shaped modules. Unlike traditional earbuds, it may include two detachable modules that sit behind the ear, suggesting a new approach to comfort and functionality.
If accurate, this would mark a significant departure from the in-ear design popularized by Apple’s AirPods, potentially targeting users who prefer less intrusive wearables.
OpenAI Earbuds launch timeline and production plans
Despite some confusion around timelines, Sweetpea is expected to launch in 2026, with early development reportedly being fast-tracked by Jony Ive’s design team. The leak claims OpenAI is targeting an ambitious first-year volume of 40-50 million units, highlighting strong internal confidence in the product.
Foxconn has reportedly been instructed to prepare manufacturing capacity for up to 5 OpenAI hardware devices by Q4 2028, with the Sweetpea audio wearable receiving priority over other experimental products.
Chipset and AI capabilities: Phone-class performance in Earbuds
One of the most striking claims is that OpenAI’s earbuds may use a phone-class 2nm chipset, potentially powered by Samsung’s Exynos SoC. This would be a major leap in wearable computing power, enabling more advanced on-device AI processing.
In addition, the leak suggests OpenAI has developed a custom chip that allows the earbuds to trigger AI actions on an iPhone, including issuing commands through Siri, effectively turning the earbuds into a hands-free AI assistant layer.
Other OpenAI hardware projects: AI pen and pocket device
Sweetpea is reportedly just one of five AI hardware devices OpenAI has in development. Other known products include:
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An AI pen, internally codenamed “Gumdrop,” capable of capturing handwriting and voice input
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A pocket-sized AI device, details of which remain scarce
The identities of the remaining two devices are currently unknown, and it’s unclear whether all of them will see a public release.
OpenAI hardware rumors: What’s confirmed and what’s not
It’s important to note that OpenAI has not officially confirmed any of these details. All information comes from leaks and industry speculation, meaning features, timelines, and even the existence of the Sweetpea device could change.
That said, if accurate, OpenAI’s move into AI-powered earbuds could mark a major shift in how consumers interact with ChatGPT, moving from screens to seamless, voice-first experiences embedded directly into everyday wearables.
