OpenAI just confirmed plans for its first hardware device reveal in the second half of 2026. Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane teased the announcement at Davos, saying the company is “on track” for a late-2026 unveil. This comes after OpenAI’s $6.5 billion merger with Jony Ive’s io startup last year.
According to the latest reports, the OpenAI hardware device will likely be earbuds codenamed “Sweetpea.” Sam Altman has described it as more “peaceful” than a smartphone, suggesting a screenless design. The device is rumored to feature an egg-shaped metal case with pill-shaped modules that sit behind your ears for all-day wear.
What the Sweetpea earbuds actually do
The device reportedly packs a 2nm chip, similar to Samsung’s Exynos processors, for local AI processing. There are multiple microphones, a speaker, and ChatGPT integration that works even when you’re offline. The earbuds can handle Siri-like iPhone commands and various audio tasks. Foxconn is reportedly building them.
The design focuses on being an always-on AI companion. You could use it for reminders, translations, and getting proactive tips based on your surroundings. It’s aimed at AirPods users who want superior AI conversations without the constant phone scrolling. Think of it as a calm companion, not a screen-based distraction.
OpenAI is joining Meta and Google in the wearables race. Ive’s design expertise combined with ChatGPT’s AI capabilities could give them a real shot at competing. The company reportedly plans to ship 40 to 50 million units in the first year. That’s ambitious for a first-gen product, especially after Humane’s AI Pin flopped.
Either way, OpenAI’s betting big on moving AI off screens and into everyday wearables. We’ll know more when they unveil the device later this year.
