When everyone is still discussing generative AI When it comes to what can be written or drawn, the tech industry’s focus seems to have quietly shifted in another direction. Recently, it was revealed that OpenAI Quietly developing a brand new AI headphonesCodenamed Sweetpea, the goal is not to simply add voice assistant functionality, but to redefine the way people interact with devices.
Based on the leaked information, this isn’t a lightweight earphone at all, but rather a brand-new product category with materials, computing power, and positioning closer to a “portable AI device.”
With its metal body, unprecedented design, and smartphone-class chip specifications, speculation has emerged about whether this could become the next key device that reshapes daily interaction habits. What exactly OpenAI is planning has also made this yet-to-be-revealed product full of possibilities.
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Is OpenAI Going Beyond AI? Report Reveals Mysterious AI Earbuds Project Directly Aiming at AirPods
In recent years, AI development has been advancing at a pace that seems to redefine public understanding nearly every day, expanding from chat and search to image generation and productivity tools. However, as most AI features still depend on phone or computer screens, OpenAI appears to have already begun thinking about the next step—how to “break free from the screen.”
▲Image source:Smart Pikachu (X)
According toSmart PikachuAccording to leaks on social platform X, OpenAI is developing a fairly aggressive AI earbud product, internally codenamed Sweetpea, described as “something that would replace AirPods-level devices.” But this replacement isn’t about sound quality or call experience—it’s about making earbuds the primary gateway for on-the-go AI.
Hearing fresh detail on Openai “To-go” hardware project from last report. Now confirmed it is a special audio product to replace Airpod, internal code name is “Sweetpea”
On manufacturing, Foxconn has been told to prepare for total 5 devices by Q4 2028. All not known but a home… https://t.co/svOCBuyapI pic.twitter.com/SFumFfRIeF
— 智慧皮卡丘 Smart Pikachu (Weibo) (@zhihuipikachu) January 12, 2026
An unprecedented design that breaks away from traditional headphone aesthetics
In terms of design, Sweetpea doesn’t follow the common form factor of existing true wireless earbuds. Leaks indicate the body will use metal material, with an overall rounded appearance shaped similar to the concept called “egg stone,” visually resembling more of a tech accessory than just earbuds.
▲AI Diagram
More notably, the main body structure contains two detachable capsule modules, which are fixed behind the ear during actual use, allowing the main computation and structure to be concentrated in the core device. This design shows that OpenAI didn’t focus on extreme lightweighting, but rather on internal space and functional integration.
▲ AI Diagram
The earphones use smartphone-grade chips, with rather bold specifications
Looking at the hardware specs, the ambitions of these AI earbuds become even clearer. Reports suggest OpenAI plans to equip the Sweetpea with a smartphone-grade chip built on the 2nm process, with Samsung Exynos widely considered the most likely candidate.
For a pair of headphones, such specifications are quite rare, meaning it’s not just responsible for playing sound—it can also perform more complex AI computations on the device itself, reducing reliance on the cloud and phone.
Additionally, sources indicate that OpenAI is simultaneously developing a custom chip, aiming to let users complete various tasks—typically requiring phone interaction—through voice commands, even achieving an experience where you don’t need to pick up your phone to have a system assistant carry out actions.
BOM cost is approaching smartphone levels, so the price probably won’t be affordable.
However, higher specs naturally come with higher costs. Leaks indicate that Sweetpea’s bill of materials is comparable to that of smartphones, far exceeding typical true wireless earbuds. This suggests the final price tag will likely not be aimed at the mass market, but rather at consumers willing to try something new and seeking fresh interactive experiences.
However, OpenAI still appears highly optimistic about sales. Reports suggest the headphones have a first-year shipment target of around 40 to 50 million units, indicating the team is quite confident in market acceptance.
More than one product: OpenAI is building a complete hardware lineup
It’s worth noting that Sweetpea is not a single isolated project. Reports indicate that OpenAI is simultaneously planning up to five hardware products, and has already engaged contract manufacturing partners for pre-production preparation, aiming to achieve mass production readiness before Q4 2028.
In the currently known product lineup, besides earphones, there are also devices geared toward home use scenarios, as well as concept products similar to smart styluses, though the specific forms are still under evaluation.
Among them, the headphone project, due to the former Apple Spearheaded by Chief Design Officer Jony Ive’s team, it has been designated as the top priority project, giving it the best chance of being unveiled around September.
Conclusion
If these rumors turn out to be true, Sweetpea’s emergence could signal that AI hardware is entering a whole new phase. It’s no longer just a phone accessory—it’s an attempt to become the most direct bridge between people and the digital world. From high-end chips and distinctive design to voice-first interaction, it’s clear that OpenAI wants to break free from conventional frameworks and rethink what a “personal device” should look like.
Of course, whether such a product can truly change user habits still remains uncertain. But one thing is for sure: the battlefield for AI has long extended beyond the cloud and screens. The next step might just be worn on our ears.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese