OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research company, is reportedly venturing into consumer hardware with an AI-powered audio device, internally codenamed 'Sweetpea,' intended to directly challenge Apple's dominant AirPods. Multiple credible sources corroborate these plans, indicating a significant strategic move by OpenAI to integrate its advanced AI capabilities into physical products. The 'Sweetpea' project is being spearheaded in collaboration with Jony Ive's design firm io (LoveFrom), known for its pivotal role in crafting iconic Apple products. This partnership underscores OpenAI's ambition to create a device with a distinct and innovative user experience. Rumors suggest the device will boast a 'unique, unseen-before' design, possibly resembling an eggstone with pill-shaped modules worn behind the ear, and powered by a 2nm smartphone-class chip, potentially from Samsung's Exynos lineup, enabling local AI inference. The device is not just an audio product but is expected to function as an 'always-on ChatGPT interface,' capable of handling calls, audio, and even replacing some iPhone actions by commanding Siri through a custom chip. This reflects a broader industry trend towards screenless, voice-first interactions, moving AI beyond software into ambient computing. Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, is reportedly preparing for the production of 'Sweetpea' and potentially four other OpenAI devices, including a home-style device and a smart pen, by the fourth quarter of 2028. The launch of 'Sweetpea' is anticipated around September 2028, with initial production volumes estimated between 40-50 million units. OpenAI has also been actively enhancing its underlying audio AI models, aiming for more natural and emotionally expressive speech with improved real-time interaction capabilities, crucial for the success of such a device.