OpenAI appears to be taking a serious step toward the consumer hardware space with an ambitious audio wearable project internally known as Sweetpea. From what has surfaced so far, this is not just another pair of earbuds trying to look different. The idea seems bigger, perhaps even a little disruptive if it works as intended. Led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, Sweetpea is being positioned as an AI-first device that could fundamentally change how people interact with digital assistants, especially when compared to familiar products like Apple AirPods.
Recent reports suggest OpenAI has already asked Foxconn, the same manufacturing giant behind many Apple products, to prepare for a broader hardware roadmap. By the end of 2028, OpenAI is said to be planning as many as five different devices. While most of those remain largely a mystery for now, Sweetpea has clearly emerged as the priority. Internally, a potential launch window around September is being discussed, which makes sense given how closely that timing aligns with the annual tech refresh cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Unique Design: Sweetpea features a metal “eggstone” charging case that opens to reveal two pill-shaped capsules worn behind the ear rather than inside it.
- High Performance: The device is expected to use a 2nm smartphone-class processor, possibly a custom Samsung Exynos chip.
- AI Native: It is built to handle iPhone-style actions through voice alone, with deep ChatGPT integration at its core.
- Manufacturing Shift: OpenAI is now working with Foxconn, moving away from earlier discussions with Luxshare.
- Mass Market Goal: Internal projections reportedly aim for 40 to 50 million units sold in the first year.
The Evolution of Project Sweetpea
The Sweetpea initiative gained real momentum after OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s startup, io Products, in 2025 for an estimated $6.5 billion. That acquisition seems to have set the tone for what this hardware effort is trying to be. Unlike most wearables that act as companions to a smartphone, Sweetpea is being developed as a standalone AI device. That distinction matters, at least on paper.
Design-wise, the approach is noticeably different from traditional earbuds. Instead of an in-ear fit, the two functional “pills” are stored inside a smooth, stone-like metal case and worn behind the ear. The goal, according to people familiar with the project, is to create a more ambient and less intrusive experience. It feels like a deliberate move away from the constant sensation of having something plugged into your ear canal, which some users quietly dislike but tolerate anyway.
Technical Specifications and Power
Running a device that can handle real-time AI reasoning is no small task, and OpenAI seems well aware of that. To meet those demands, Sweetpea is expected to use a 2nm chip, which is cutting-edge even by smartphone standards. This process node offers significant gains in both power efficiency and performance. Sources suggest a custom Samsung Exynos chip is currently the leading candidate, though details remain fluid.
That level of silicon power comes at a cost. The Bill of Materials is reportedly much closer to that of a smartphone than a typical pair of wireless earbuds. As a result, the final retail price is expected to land firmly in premium territory. Still, the company appears comfortable with that tradeoff. Sweetpea is not being marketed internally as an audio accessory, but as a compact computing device that can handle complex tasks, from managing digital workflows to interacting with assistants like Siri or ChatGPT, all without relying on a screen.
Foxconn Partnership and Future Roadmap
Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is now preparing its production lines to support OpenAI’s hardware ambitions. This partnership is notable, especially since Foxconn had previously lost several Apple audio manufacturing contracts to rivals such as Luxshare. Landing OpenAI’s business could help rebalance that loss over time.
Looking ahead, the roadmap extends well beyond Sweetpea. By the fourth quarter of 2028, OpenAI and Foxconn reportedly plan to be producing five different devices. Early whispers point to a smart pen and a home-focused AI device among them. The smart pen, in particular, is said to include sensors capable of converting handwritten notes directly into digital text for ChatGPT to process. For now though, Sweetpea remains the focal point, with a September launch window seen as critical for building early momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes Sweetpea different from Apple AirPods?
A1: Unlike AirPods, which mainly serve as audio accessories for a phone, Sweetpea is designed as a standalone AI device. It uses a far more powerful 2nm processor and can handle complex voice-driven tasks on its own, reducing reliance on a smartphone screen.
Q2: When will the OpenAI audio device be available in India?
A2: A global launch is expected around September. While there is no confirmed date for India yet, OpenAI generally rolls out major products and features globally within a similar timeframe.
Q3: How is Jony Ive involved in the project?
A3: Jony Ive, through his design firm LoveFrom, is leading the creative direction. His team is responsible for the “eggstone” charging case and the behind-the-ear form factor, which aims to make technology feel calmer and more natural to use.
Q4: Will I still need an iPhone to use this device?
A4: The stated goal is for Sweetpea to “replace iPhone actions.” While it may still connect to other devices, it is being designed to operate independently for most AI-based tasks.
Q5: Why is the price expected to be high?
A5: The use of a 2nm smartphone-grade chip and premium metal materials significantly increases manufacturing costs. OpenAI is positioning Sweetpea as a high-end computing product rather than a simple pair of wireless earbuds.
