OpenAI’s Rumored “Sweetpea” Audio AI Werable Could Rival Earbuds

It was back in 2025 when everyone started talking about OpenAI’s mysterious AI wearable. The speculation was largely fueled by the fact that OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s startup. The same Jony Ive who worked at Apple as design chief, and who made the iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch, and AirPods a reality. Well, the narrative around AI wearables has shifted quickly since then. Thanks to the partnership, people started expecting something genuinely different, and more serious.

OpenAI and Jony Ive reportedly developing an AI-first audio device codenamed “Sweetpea”

Last year, bits and pieces about the rumored AI hardware device project leaked, but none of them gave out details like the latest report. The new leak comes via a Weibo tipster, Smart Pikachu on X, who may have given a sneak peek into what OpenAI might be working on with Jony Ive. The said AI device is reportedly internally called OpenAI’s “to-go” hardware project.

The tipster points out that OpenAI’s new AI wearable device is now confirmed to be a dedicated, audio-first wearable. Expect something that can replace AirPods, and not smartphones. Internally, the project carries the codename “Sweetpea” — cute, right? The design is described as “unique” and “unseen before.” Speaking of the build, the main body of the alleged audio-first wearable uses metal and is shaped like an eggstone, with two capsule-like pills inside. These capsules are removable and rest behind the ear, which creates a form factor that’s very different from traditional earbuds.

As far as performance is concerned, the company is reportedly planning to integrate a 2nm smartphone-class chip, with Exynos leading the charge. At the same time, a custom chip is also reportedly in development, which allows the device to replace certain iPhone actions by issuing commands via Siri. Not to mention, the cost to make this AI-first audio device is extremely high.

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High manufacturing cost & Foxconn’s involvement

The tipster points out that the cost of manufacturing “Sweetpea” might be closer to a phone than an accessory. However, sources familiar with the development of the device claim that its functionality fully justifies it. As far as the release is concerned, the company is aiming for a September launch, with volume projections of around 40 to 50 million units in the first year. That figure alone tells you how serious this project has become.

The report also adds that manufacturing plans are in full swing right now. Foxconn appears to be the manufacturer of the device. The company has been instructed to prepare for manufacturing five total devices by Q4 2028. That said, everything hasn’t been finalized yet. But sources suggest that a home-style device and even a pen are in the pipeline. At the moment, Sweetpea is clearly at the front of the line. Multiple sources say Jony Ive’s team has pushed it to the top of the priority list.

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There’s an industry angle here, too. Foxconn leadership is reportedly still embarrassed about losing AirPods manufacturing to Luxshare. Sweetpea may be their chance to win back an entire category. This clearly doesn’t sound like a side project. With OpenAI, Jony Ive’s design philosophy, and serious manufacturing muscle coming together, the “Sweetpea” launch might be the first truly serious AI consumer hardware moment.