OpenAI: First hardware product "on track"

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OpenAI's first own hardware product is “on track,” confirmed Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer, to Axios on Monday. Meanwhile, it remains unclear what the company is concretely working on with Jony Ive. Alleged leaks suggest some kind of AI gadget for the ear.

Rough timeframe

CEO Sam Altman has hinted at an AI product since the announcement of the acquisition of “io,” the former Apple design chief Jony Ive's company, last May. He neither provided a concrete timeline nor a description of what the AI gadget would look like or what it would be capable of.

Ive's company, then known as io, now io Products, had hinted at a launch in 2026. “We look forward to showing you our work next year,” said a commercial released at the time of the acquisition announcement in May.

At the announcement during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Chris Lehane did not provide further details about what the AI gadget is or how it will work. Axios also reports that this is the “most likely” timeline for the release. However, he added, “We'll have to see how things develop.”

“Quieter than a smartphone”

There are few clear details about the product from OpenAI's side. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and design legend Jony Ive said during an event in November 2025 that the fundamental question in development was how it would be to have a device “that knows everything you've ever thought, read, and said.” They also stated that the design is right if one wants to “lick or bite” the device. This is already the case with the prototypes, they say. The goal is hardware that is “almost naive in its simplicity and the feeling it conveys,” Ive said in November. Furthermore, Altman said the device will be “quieter” than a smartphone, and users would be surprised by its simplicity.

Even though no concrete information is being communicated officially, the supply chain leaker known as Smart Pikachu claims to have found interesting details: According to them, the OpenAI gadget could be a device codenamed “Sweetpea,” manufactured by contract manufacturer Foxconn. The leaker's information suggests it is a “special audio product” resembling a pair of earbuds. This earbud-like product, however, is said to be worn behind the ear, not in it like AirPods and the like. The two pill-shaped devices can be stored in an egg-shaped case when not in use.

Audio first

The fact that OpenAI is likely working on an audio product also aligns with a report from The Information: In the past two months, the internal team at OpenAI responsible for audio features and models has reportedly been expanded.

If the leaker is to be believed, Foxconn has been instructed by OpenAI to prepare for a total of five devices by the fourth quarter of 2028. Among them are mentions of a device for home use and a pen with AI.

(afl)