OpenAI is preparing to enter the consumer hardware market for the first time, and reports suggest its debut product could arrive as early as 2026 potentially in the form of AI-powered earbuds. After acquiring former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s startup io in 2024, the company ignited major speculation around its hardware ambitions. Now, OpenAI executives have confirmed that a device announcement is likely in the second half of this year, with commercial availability expected next year.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said the company is “on track” to unveil its first physical product soon. CEO Sam Altman previously described the device as something more “peaceful and calm” than smartphones, reinforcing earlier reports that OpenAI wants to build a screen-free, pocketable AI companion focused on voice-based interaction rather than visual distraction.
AI Earbuds: What We Know So Far
According to leaks from Asian supply chain sources, OpenAI’s first device is internally codenamed “Sweet Pea” and may take the form of wireless earbuds with a unique design. Unlike conventional earbuds, these could feature a custom 2-nanometer processor capable of handling AI tasks locally, reducing dependence on cloud servers and improving speed, privacy, and battery efficiency.
Manufacturing partners reportedly include Luxshare in China, although Taiwan’s Foxconn Apple’s longtime supplier is also being considered. One report suggests OpenAI is targeting shipments of 40 to 50 million units in the first year, signaling serious ambitions in the consumer electronics market.
Why OpenAI Wants Its Own Hardware
Despite ChatGPT reaching nearly a billion weekly users, OpenAI currently relies on third-party platforms like smartphones, browsers, and operating systems for access to users. By launching its own device, OpenAI could gain greater control over the user experience, enabling deeper AI integration, exclusive features, and more seamless voice interaction especially in everyday scenarios like commuting, working, or exercising.
This move mirrors broader industry efforts to create “ambient AI” assistants that operate continuously and naturally in the background without requiring screens or manual input.
The Challenge Ahead
However, replacing entrenched products like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds won’t be easy. Deep integration with operating systems, music services, calls, and notifications will be essential. Without strong platform partnerships, OpenAI’s earbuds could struggle to break into users’ daily routines.
Recent history also warns of hype-driven failures in AI hardware. Humane’s AI Pin was sold to HP, Rabbit’s R1 lost momentum, and Friend’s AI necklace faced backlash. For OpenAI, success will depend on whether its device offers genuinely useful, everyday AI experiences not just novelty.
If successful, OpenAI’s earbuds could mark the first major breakthrough in AI-native consumer hardware, reshaping how people interact with artificial intelligence in daily life.
