OpenAI is reportedly preparing to release its first consumer hardware device in the second half of 2026, and leaks suggest it could take the form of AI-enabled earbuds aimed at competing with Apple’s AirPods.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, confirmed that the company is on track to unveil its first physical AI device later in 2026. This would mark a major shift for OpenAI, which is best known for ChatGPT and cloud-based AI services, moving into the physical hardware space.
The rumored project is internally codenamed “Sweetpea.” Early reports suggest the device could feature a unique design, potentially with metal capsules that sit behind the ear, paired with a distinctive charging case. Leaks indicate that the earbuds may combine cloud-based AI with some on-device processing using advanced chips, possibly a 2 nm-class processor, allowing users to interact with AI assistants on the go.
OpenAI is said to be working with Foxconn for manufacturing, possibly in Vietnam or other locations outside China. Industry sources also suggest that the company may aim to ship 40–50 million units in the first year, an ambitious target for a first-generation product. In addition, OpenAI is reportedly exploring other hardware concepts beyond earbuds, meaning more AI-powered devices could be on the way.
Analysts see this as part of a broader trend toward ambient, voice-first computing, where AI lives beyond screens and keyboards. True wireless earbuds are already one of the most widely adopted wearable categories, with hundreds of millions of units shipped every year. Adding generative AI to a wearable could allow users to access ChatGPT-style assistance without needing to pull out a phone, changing how people interact with AI on the go.
The space isn’t without challenges. Previous AI hardware efforts, like the Humane AI Pin, struggled to gain mainstream appeal. Bringing an AI-powered wearable to market successfully requires combining strong hardware, software, and a clear use case that resonates with everyday users.
OpenAI has not officially confirmed the product name, specifications, price, or launch date. Everything currently comes from leaks, supply-chain reports, and executive comments about general hardware plans for 2026. If the rumors are correct, OpenAI could be entering the wearable AI space in a big way, potentially setting a new standard for voice-first, AI-enabled devices.
