OpenAI develops AI headphones running ChatGPT, aiming to dethrone AirPods.
OpenAI is reportedly developing a brand-new AI device and preparing to enter the audio wearable market with built-in ChatGPT. A new leak suggests OpenAI is developing a wireless headphone-like product similar to AirPods, codenamed 'Sweetpea', with a hardware design described as 'unique and unprecedented'.
According to the source, the device may resemble a metal 'egg-shaped stone,' with pill-shaped modules.
The 'Sweetpea' headphones could launch in 2026.
Information shared by leaker @zhihuipikachu on X indicates that this is a special audio product from OpenAI. The device may be launched around September, with an expected production volume of 40–50 million units in the first year. The headphones are said to consist of two separate modules, worn behind the ear instead of sitting entirely in the ear canal like AirPods.
Foxconn has been asked by OpenAI to prepare production capacity for up to five different hardware devices before Q4 2028. However, the 'Sweetpea' headset is currently being prioritized for early development, under the leadership of a team headed by Jony Ive.
Sources indicate that OpenAI's headphones may be equipped with a 2nm smartphone-grade chip, most likely Samsung's Exynos SoC. Additionally, OpenAI is developing a custom chip that allows the headphones to perform AI tasks on iPhones via Siri commands — a rather interesting detail, suggesting OpenAI is finding a way to integrate deeply into the Apple ecosystem.
Previously, OpenAI was also revealed to be testing a pen-shaped AI device, internally codenamed 'Gumdrop'. This AI pen is said to be capable of recognizing handwriting as well as interacting via voice.
Of the five devices that OpenAI is developing, information is now available about:
- AI Pen
- AirPods-style headphones
- A pocket-sized, miniature AI device.
The remaining two devices are still unknown, and it's also unclear whether OpenAI will actually release all of them to the market. Of course, OpenAI hasn't officially confirmed any of the above information, so everything should still be considered rumors at this point.
