Media: OpenAI is preparing smart headphones Sweetpea with deep ChatGPT integration
The AI technology market giant OpenAI is accelerating its move toward consumer electronics, and the next step could be smart headphones under the codename Sweetpea. Judging by a series of leaks, the company is preparing a device that should become an alternative to Apple AirPods and the first major product after acquiring the design studio of Apple veteran Jony Ive.
What is known
According to data from various sources, Sweetpea will have an unusual behind-the-ear form factor rather than the classic TWS format. The main module with the battery and processor is located behind the ear, with small removable elements, likely speakers or sensors, attached separately. This makes the device closer to modern hearing aids than to AirPods.
The design is being created by Jony Ive's team, already giving the project significance.
Functions and proposed "smart" features of Sweetpea:
- The headphones will be deeply integrated with ChatGPT, making them a full-fledged voice interface for AI;
- The device will receive a smartphone-class 2 nm chip and a custom module that can even give commands to Siri — that is, interact with the iPhone at the system level;
- The headphones may feature ultrasonic sensors and sensors for analyzing the environment, allowing the device to understand the context and adapt responses.
The media reports that OpenAI is aiming for an ambitious volume — 40–50 million devices, indicating serious expectations for the product. Production will likely be located in Vietnam.
It is expected that OpenAI's AI headphones will hit the market in the fall of 2026.
Source: Gizmochina