OpenAI wants to take on Apple with ChatGPT powered AI audio product: Report

Ever since OpenAI first announced its plans for building a hardware AI product with Jony Ive there have been rampant speculations on what the partnership could involve. However, a new leak has now hinted that OpenAI may be planning to take on Apple AirPods with an AI powered device.

As per tipster Smart Pikachu on X, the new OpenAI product is aimed replacing AirPods and has been codenamed “Sweetpea”. The tipster also added that Foxconn has been told to prepare 5 devices by Q4 2028 which could also include a home style device and a pen.

The leak also states that ‘Sweetpea’ is now front of the line due to the priority of Jony Ive. The device is being slated to launch in September 2028 with 40-50 million volume projections.

The tipster also notes that Sweetpea is said to feature a ‘unique, unseen before’ design in the shape of eggstone. The device could feature a 2nm smart phone style chip which could be from Samsung's Exynos lineup. The device could also have a custom chip to allow it to "replace iphone actions by commanding Siri"

An earlier report by the Wall Street Journal had quoted Altman briefiing his employees that the new AI device would be able to fit in a pocket and its fuction would be to act as a “third device” which could compliment the smartphone rather than replacing it.

Meanwhile, a report from Bloomberg had also hinted at the AI device being a pen with built-in cameras and microphones that are turned on to remain aware of the surroundings of the user

What has OpenAI said about the AI device so far?

In an conversations with Emerson Collective last year, Ive and Atlman confirmed that they are working on multiple hardware products. The duo also confirmed that the new AI powered devices could make their way to the public in the next two years, suggesting a 2027 timeline for launch.

Altman also confirmed during the interaction that OpenAI already has the first prototye of these devices which already has him excited.

“We have the first prototypes. I can’t believe how jaw-dropping good the work is and how exciting it is,” he said

Meanwhile, Ive talked about the design philosophy for the products saying, “I love solutions that teeter on the appearing, almost naive, in their simplicity. And I also love incredibly intelligent, sophisticated products that you want to touch and you feel no intimidation, and you want to use almost carelessly — that you will use them almost without thought.”