OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s game-changing device, developed with ex-Apple designer Jony Ive, is reportedly going to be a pair of ChatGPT-powered wireless earbuds. The project, codenamed “Sweetpea”, aims to directly challenge Apple AirPods with a “unique, never-seen-before” design and advanced AI capabilities – two aspects that Apple’s offerings lacks at the moment.
According to a fresh leak from supply chain tipster Smart Pikachu on X (formerly Twitter), who cited multiple sources familiar with the matter, the earbuds represent the top priority in OpenAI’s hardware roadmap, driven by Ive’s design team. The device is described as a screenless audio product featuring two pill-shaped modules worn behind the ear, housed in a distinctive metal egg-shaped charging case (referred to as an “eggstone”).
The earbuds are said to be powered by a custom Samsung Exynos 2nm-class chip (smartphone-grade silicon), enabling on-device AI processing to potentially handle complex tasks like replacing iPhone interactions via voice commands — positioning it as a more intelligent alternative to traditional earbuds.
The product is also said to make use of premium materials, with a high bill of materials (BOM) comparable to high-end smartphones, promising enhanced functionality beyond standard audio playback, calls, and noise cancellation, all integrated with ChatGPT for conversational AI experiences.
ChatGPT earbuds want to replace smartphones
The collaboration stems from OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive’s hardware startup io (valued at around $6.4–6.5 billion in 2025), which brought Ive’s iconic design expertise (behind iPhone, AirPods, and more) into the fold. Ive and Altman have described their vision for a “family of devices” that create new ways to interact with AI — screenless, context-aware, and potentially more human-centric. With their new line of devices, the idea is to move beyond traditional smartphones.
Manufacturing is reportedly handled by Foxconn, with preparations underway for up to five devices by the end of 2028. While earlier rumors pointed to pen-style gadgets or necklace-worn devices, the earbuds have emerged as the frontrunner.
ChatGPT earbuds expected launch timeline
The leak suggests a potential launch as early as September 2026, with ambitious first-year volume projections of 40–50 million units. This hints at OpenAI’s intent to make a major splash in the consumer hardware segment. This launch plan aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance ChatGPT’s audio models for seamless voice interactions.
Note that this is still a speculation, and no official confirmation or pricing details have been released by OpenAI so far. The involvement of Ive, combined with Altman’s push into the hardware business, has led to a spike in excitement about a post-smartphone era where AI ends up being more than just a chatbot.
