Is OpenAI working on Apple AirPods rival? Leak suggests special audio hardware in pipeline

Last year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a collaboration with renowned designer Jony Ive to develop a range of AI-powered hardware products. Since then, the tech world has been eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of what this powerhouse partnership might produce. And now the wait may be finally over.

While the company has remained tight-lipped about its plans, a new leak suggests that one of the first devices in the pipeline could be an OpenAI-made rival to Apple AirPods.

OpenAI’s upcoming device: Sweetpea

According to tipster Smart Pikachu on X (formerly Twitter), the upcoming device, codenamed “Sweetpea,” is being designed as an AI-powered audio product that aims to take on Apple’s AirPods.

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

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The leak claims that Foxconn, Apple’s long-standing manufacturing partner, has been instructed to prepare five prototype devices by the fourth quarter of 2028. These reportedly include a home-style device, a pen, and the Sweetpea audio hardware, which now sits at the top of the priority list under Ive’s direction.

The device is said to feature a “unique, unseen-before” egg-stone design and could be powered by a 2nm smartphone-style chip, possibly from Samsung’s Exynos range. Interestingly, it may also include a custom chip capable of performing iPhone-like actions and even “commanding Siri,” positioning it as far more than just a pair of earbuds.

If the leak holds true, OpenAI is targeting a September 2028 launch, with volume projections between 40 and 50 million units.

What OpenAI said so far

Speaking to Emerson Collective last year, Altman confirmed that OpenAI and Ive are working on multiple AI hardware devices, some of which could reach the public within the next two years, hinting at a 2027 launch window. Altman even revealed that early prototypes already exist, saying, “I can’t believe how jaw-dropping good the work is and how exciting it is.”

Ive, famous for shaping the look and feel of Apple’s most iconic products, described his design approach as “naïve in its simplicity” yet deeply sophisticated. “I love incredibly intelligent, sophisticated products that you want to touch and feel no intimidation, and you want to use almost carelessly,” he said.

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Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have reported that OpenAI’s other prototypes may include a smart pen with built-in cameras and microphones designed to stay contextually aware of its surroundings.

Beyond the hardware, Altman has also spoken at length about the kind of experience he wants AI devices to deliver. He likened today’s technology to “walking through Times Square”, overwhelming, noisy, and full of distractions, and said the goal of the new AI hardware would be to do the opposite.

“The vibe of the AI device would be more like sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake and just enjoying the peace and calm,” Altman said.

He envisions a product that filters information, understands user context, and acts on their behalf, providing calm, seamless assistance rather than constant interruptions.

Whether Sweetpea turns out to be an AirPods rival or something more ambitious, OpenAI’s foray into hardware could reshape the way we experience AI. And with Jony Ive’s design philosophy guiding the process, this might be the most elegantly disruptive gadget yet.