OpenAI earbuds with never-before-seen design could be an AirPods killer

A recent report, citing tipster Smart Pikachu as the source, revealed that OpenAI could be working on two tech products. The first is an AI-powered smart pen, and the other is an audio device. Now, the tipster has returned with new details about OpenAI’s audio product, which is said to feature a never-before-seen design.

OpenAI earbuds’ key details emerge

According to the tipster, OpenAI has teamed up with Foxconn to manufacture five devices by the fourth quarter of 2028. These reportedly include an audio product, a smart pen, and a home-style device.

While OpenAI is said to be planning multiple products, the audio product could be the first to launch due to the priority given by the John Ive team. The tipster added that OpenAI’s audio product, codenamed “Sweetpea,” will be a special device positioned as a replacement for Apple AirPods.

The uniquely designed OpenAI audio product is said to be made from metal and feature an eggstone-shaped design. Inside, it will house two pill-shaped units that can be removed and placed on the back of the ear.

The device could be powered by a custom-made 2nm smartphone-style chip developed by Samsung’s Exynos division. This chip is reportedly designed to “replace iPhone actions by commanding Siri.”

The bill of materials (BOM) is said to be very high, as the components used are closer to those found in a smartphone, suggesting that the product could carry a premium price tag. As for the launch timeline, it is expected to debut in September this year, with a volume projection of 40 to 50 million units in the first year.

John Ive to design OpenAI’s earbuds

Coming back to the design, OpenAI’s first audio product is expected to stand out visually, thanks to John Ive, the legendary former Chief Design Officer at Apple. He designed several iconic Apple products, including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBooks, and Apple Watch.

John Ive and his independent design firm LoveFrom are separate entities and not employees of OpenAI, but they have taken on deep design and creative responsibilities across OpenAI and the merged io team.

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