Reports say that AI giant OpenAI is accelerating its layout in the hardware field. According to insiders in the supply chain, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is working with former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive to secretly develop a new AI audio device aimed at challenging the position of Apple AirPods.
According to "Pikachu Wisdom," the leaker, the project's internal codename is "Sweetpea." In terms of product form, this device showcases a highly disruptive design logic, with its body made of metal and resembling a smooth pebble. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, Sweetpea contains two capsule-shaped components that can be removed and worn behind the ears. This "unseen before" unique industrial design is considered an important attempt by Jony Ive in AI hardware after leaving Apple.
In terms of performance configuration, the device is expected to be equipped with cutting-edge smartphone-grade chips using the 2nm process technology. The Samsung Exynos chip is currently seen as the preferred choice, and OpenAI may also be simultaneously developing a custom chip. Due to the extensive use of materials and core components comparable to high-end smartphones, the manufacturing cost of this product is expected to remain relatively high.
Currently, the manufacturer Foxconn has been required to prepare for the production of this series of products. According to the plan, OpenAI plans to launch five hardware products, including earphones and touch pens, before the fourth quarter of 2028, and the "Sweetpea" earphone is the top priority for the first release. It is expected that the product will be officially launched as early as September of this year, with the target production volume set between 40 million to 50 million units in the first year. Market expectations are that the device will have call, audio playback, and cross-application control functions, and even have the potential to operate independently of a phone.
Key Points:
🎧 Cross-industry Collaboration: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman collaborates with former Apple design master Jony Ive to create a new AI audio device codenamed "Sweetpea," targeting AirPods directly.
💎 Unique Design: The device's main body features a metal pebble-like shape, with two capsule-shaped components that can be worn behind the ears, significantly different from traditional earphones in hardware form.
🚀 Top-tier Configuration: It is expected to adopt 2nm process chips, with a first-year production target of up to 50 million units, and may have advanced AI features capable of operating independently of a phone.
