Supply-chain chatter suggests OpenAI may launch AI Earbuds under the code name “Sweetpea.” The rumor excites investors, design fans, and voice computing researchers alike. However, legal documents filed in 2025 say the company’s first gadget is not an in-ear wearable. Consequently, experts debate whether an earbud product will appear before a desk or pocket device. Meanwhile, OpenAI Hardware ambitions keep growing after the $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s studio. GPT-4o already handles real-time audio replies averaging 320 ms, making conversational wearables plausible. This article unpacks the leaks, the legal contradictions, market math, and possible scenarios. Additionally, readers gain guidance on skills upgrades via a relevant certification link. Stay with us for a concise, evidence-based dive into what might power the next interface. In contrast, hype-only coverage often overlooks thermal, battery and supply constraints. We focus on facts, yet note where speculation still dominates.

Earbud Market Stakes Rising

Canalys reports 78.3 million true wireless units shipped in Q1 2025, rising 18% year over year. Apple held 23% share, followed by Samsung and Xiaomi. Moreover, analysts forecast double-digit compound growth through 2030, pushing annual revenue beyond $30 billion. Consequently, any credible AI Earbuds launch could claim a visible slice, if differentiation exists. Furthermore, Sam Altman told staff he wants shipments in the tens of millions. That ambition aligns with market scale but challenges supply capacity and capital. In addition, hearables now outsell smartwatches in several emerging markets. Global hearables demand is robust, yet incumbents dominate. Nevertheless, booming volumes tempt new entrants, setting the stage for leaked prototypes.

What Recent Leaks Reveal

Tipster Smart Pikachu posted drawings and specifications for alleged Sweetpea AI Earbuds on X in January 2026. Android Authority, Tom’s Guide, and TechRadar amplified the story within hours. Reported details include an egg-stone case, pill modules, and a 2 nm smartphone-class chipset. Additionally, leaks cite Foxconn as manufacturing partner and project first-year volumes near 50 million. However, no photo evidence or bill-of-materials documents accompany the claims. Consequently, analysts grade confidence as low until suppliers corroborate orders or tooling. Meanwhile, OpenAI Hardware watchers note the specifications would demand advanced thermal design seldom seen in earbuds. The leak offers enticing detail but lacks verification. Therefore, professionals should treat it as a directional hint, not confirmed roadmap. Next, we examine court records that complicate the narrative.

Legal Filings Contradict Claims

June 2025 declarations in the Iyo trademark case contradict the earbud storyline. OpenAI and io stated the first device is neither in-ear nor wearable and remains a year away. Subsequently, The Verge published excerpts, strengthening credibility through direct court exhibits. Moreover, lawyers warned perjury penalties discourage misleading statements in sworn documents. In contrast, leak sources face minimal consequences for exaggeration. Consequently, many analysts prioritize the court record when modeling launch timelines. Legal evidence suggests an initial product different from AI Earbuds, at least through 2026. Nevertheless, filings do not ban future earbuds, leaving eventual pivots possible. Technical feasibility further influences whether any pivot succeeds.

Technical Feasibility Factors Explained

Running generative models on device reduces latency and protects privacy. However, smartphone-class silicon inside earbuds raises power, heat, and battery density issues. Thermal engineers caution that sustained inference might scald skin without clever heat spreading. Furthermore, batteries small enough for comfort rarely exceed 60 mAh capacity. Therefore, most voice assistants still stream audio to cloud GPUs. OpenAI Hardware proponents argue a 2 nm node and specialized NPU could shift workloads locally. Nevertheless, cost per unit would climb, squeezing margins unless scale offsets expenses.

• Thermal dissipation within 5-gram modules
• Battery endurance beyond four hours continuous chat
• On-device NPU area under 20 mm²

Each hurdle must be solved before AI Earbuds reach mass production. Consequently, feasibility remains uncertain despite promising demos. The physics are unforgiving, yet design advances continue. Next, we assess competitive pressure shaping timetable decisions.

Competitive Earbud Landscape Snapshot

Apple controls premium audio wearables through AirPods, integrated services, and aggressive channel promotions. Samsung, Sony, and Xiaomi capture value segments with rapid iteration and regional marketing. Moreover, incumbents hold extensive patents covering antennas, charging, and noise cancellation. In contrast, OpenAI Hardware lacks distribution muscle despite strong generative AI brand momentum. Foxconn could bridge manufacturing gaps, yet marketing partnerships still matter. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny of voice data may slow international rollouts.

• Apple: ecosystem lock-in, custom silicon
• Samsung: display bundling, regional carriers
• Sony: audio fidelity reputation

Any AI Earbuds entrant must surpass these entrenched advantages or carve a new category. Incumbents guard turf with scale and patents. Nevertheless, differentiated experiences can still disrupt entrenched suppliers. Scenario modeling clarifies where disruption might occur first.

Scenarios And Timelines Ahead

Analysts outline conservative and aggressive pathways for OpenAI’s device rollout. Conservative projections follow court testimony, expecting a non-wearable desktop or pocket companion before 2027. Aggressive forecasts assume Sweetpea AI Earbuds hit limited release in late 2026 with developer-centric positioning. Meanwhile, supply-chain whispers suggest EVT samples could appear within six months if Foxconn lines activate. Ming-Chi Kuo doubts mass production before 2027, citing 2 nm yield challenges. Consequently, organisations planning integrations should prepare for staggered hardware access and evolving APIs. Furthermore, budgeting cycles may need flexibility to accommodate shifting launch windows. Timelines remain fluid, yet scenario planning mitigates risk. Therefore, assessing skill gaps and certification needs becomes prudent now. Our final section distills actionable insights and resources.

Key Takeaways And Actions

OpenAI is serious about physical interfaces, yet the exact first product is contested. Sweetpea leaks excite because AI Earbuds promise seamless, hands-free GPT-4o access anywhere. However, court records, thermal realities, and market barriers advise cautious optimism. Consequently, enterprises should track supplier confirmations and regulatory updates before committing integrations. Professionals can enhance readiness with the AI+ UX Designer™ certification, which sharpens voice interface design skills. Moreover, learning multimodal design principles future-proofs careers across OpenAI Hardware and competing ecosystems. AI Earbuds may ship next, or an ambient desktop orb could precede them. Nevertheless, conversational audio will underpin whichever device arrives first. Therefore, start prototyping voice flows, monitor filings, and join pre-launch developer programs when announced. Staying proactive today ensures quicker adaptation tomorrow. Explore certification pathways, follow supply-chain news, and revisit scenario plans quarterly. Those steps position teams to exploit AI Earbuds momentum the moment reality eclipses rumor.