Outlook Business Desk
Interest in OpenAI’s hardware roadmap has intensified after it publicly confirmed a partnership with former Apple design chief Jony Ive to develop new AI-powered consumer devices.
A claim by tipster Smart Pikachu on X (formerly twitter) suggests OpenAI is developing an AI-powered device positioned to compete with Apple AirPods, pointing to a potential entry into the consumer wearables segment.
As per tipster Smart Pikachu , OpenAI’s AirPods-style device is internally called Sweetpea, and the project is said to be getting priority because Jony Ive is closely involved in its design.
According to the report, Foxconn has been asked to prepare five OpenAI hardware products by Q4 2028, including Sweetpea, alongside a home-style device and a pen-like product.
Sweetpea is reportedly scheduled for a September 2028 launch, with projected production volumes ranging between 40 and 50 million units, indicating OpenAI’s large-scale ambitions.
The device is said to feature a unique egg stone-shaped design and could run on a 2nm smartphone-grade chip, possibly from Samsung’s Exynos lineup or a custom alternative.
Meanwhile, previous reports from Bloomberg suggested OpenAI’s AI hardware could be pocket-sized, act as a third device, or even take the form of a pen.
On the other hand, OpenAI chief Sam Altman and designer Jony Ive have said they are working on several hardware products, confirmed early prototypes exist and suggested the first public launches could happen around 2027.