OpenAI's 'Sweetpea' AI Device to Challenge AirPods with Always-On AI

• OpenAI is rumored to be developing an AI-powered ear-worn device, codenamed "Sweetpea," to rival Apple's AirPods.
• The device is positioned as an always-on AI companion, not traditional earbuds, with prototypes expected by Q4 2028.
• Former Apple design chief Jony Ive is leading the industrial design, aiming for a September 2028 launch with 40-50 million units.
• Sweetpea is described with an "egg stone" form factor, running on a 2nm mobile processor and a custom AI chip.
• It aims to be a voice-first interface, acting as a "third device" alongside smartphones, with Sam Altman and Jony Ive confirming hardware development.

Why It Matters: OpenAI's 'Sweetpea' could redefine wearable AI, challenging Apple with an always-on, voice-first companion.