OpenAI on track to dispatch its first device in 2026

OpenAI on track to dispatch its first device in 2026

22 Jan 2026, 03:14 PM

Anticipation for OpenAI's device has mounted since it acquired io last year.

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OpenAI is on track to dispatch its first device this year, and its could likely be a pair of earbuds, according to media reports.

Speaking at an Axios-hosted panel at the annual Davos conference, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane confirmed that it is on track to announce its first hardware device in the second half of 2026 without revealing further details.

Anticipation for OpenAI's device has mounted since it acquired io last year. io was floated by former Apple design head Jony Ive.

Recent reports from Asian publications suggest that OpenAI’s first device could be a pair of earbuds (codenamed “Sweetpea”), with a goal to tackle the AirPods market. The earbuds could work on a custom 2-nanometer processor and handle AI tasks locally without sending requests to the cloud.

The rumours come from Chinese publications and a leaker known as Smart Pikachu. He claims that the manufacturer Foxconn will build the device. A separate report from large Taiwanese newspaper noted that OpenAI was exploring a partnership with Luxshare, a China based manufacturer.

Even though OpenAI’s ChatGPT receives almost a billion users every week, the company has to depend on other devices and platforms for distribution. With its own device, it might want to take control of the development, as well as the distribution of the AI assistant.

OpenAI's push to develop devices is crucial as it looks to find sources to generate revenue. Earlier this month, the Sam Altman-led company said that it will start testing ads on ChatGPT for free and low-cost subscribers, underlining the need for the AI startup to shore up its income as it continues to burn billions of dollars. A crucial path to profitability is also necessary as it reportedly plans to float its initial public offering (IPO) this year.

Other tech giants like Meta is also doubling down on wearables with its Ray Ban glasses. Recently, Amazon bought an AI device Bee.

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