ChatGPT earbuds may be coming in 2026 — but can they really compete with AirPods?

OpenAI is reportedly gearing up to release its first consumer hardware device in the second half of 2026, and industry leaks suggest it could take the form of AI-enabled earbuds designed to rival Apple’s AirPods.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, confirmed that the company is on track to unveil its first physical AI device in the second half of 2026. It would be a major pivot for OpenAI, a company best known for ChatGPT and cloud-based AI services.

What we know about the rumored “Sweetpea” earbuds

Here are the key details emerging from leaks and reporting:

• Internal Codename: The earbuds project is reportedly referred to as “Sweetpea.”
• Design and Function: Early supply-chain leaks describe a distinctive form factor — potentially metal capsules worn behind the ear with a unique charging case.
• AI Integration: A WCCFTech report suggests the device may combine cloud-based AI with some on-device processing via advanced chips, potentially including a 2 nm-class processor.
• Manufacturing: OpenAI is rumored to be working with Foxconn for production, possibly outside of China in places like Vietnam or other sites.
• Sales Goal: One report claims OpenAI may target 40–50 million units shipped in the first year — an ambitious figure for a first-generation product.
• Multiple hardware concepts: Sources also suggest that OpenAI is exploring hardware beyond earbuds, with different form factors under development.

Why this matters

If the rumors hold true, this device would represent more than just another pair of wireless earbuds. Analysts and tech watchers like Tom's Guide's James Frew, see it as part of a broader industry push toward ambient and voice-first computing, where AI assistants live beyond screens and keyboards.

True wireless earbuds are among the most widely adopted wearable categories, with hundreds of millions shipped annually. A generative AI-centric wearable could redefine how people interact with voice systems, potentially offering on-the-go access to ChatGPT-style assistance without pulling out a phone.

It’s also worth noting the competitive backdrop: previous AI hardware efforts — like the Humane AI Pin — struggled to find mainstream appeal, highlighting how challenging this space can be.

The takeaway

OpenAI has not officially confirmed any product name, specs, price or launch date for Sweetpea or any other device. All current details are based on leaks, supply-chain hints, and executive comments on general hardware plans for 2026.

We can expect more concrete information later this year as OpenAI approaches its projected reveal window — potentially aligned with the tech industry’s usual fall launch cycle.

Whether Sweetpea will deliver a truly new category of AI wearable or simply enhance existing voice-assistant wearables remains to be seen, but either outcome could reshape how consumers think about AI on the go.

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