OpenAI's AI Wearable: On Track for 2026 Debut Amidst Earbud Buzz

Last year, OpenAI announced that it was partnering with legendary iPhone designer Sir Jony Ive to release an AI wearable device, and a company leader recently confirmed the mystery device is on track to "unveiled" by the end of the year. Speaking at an Axios-hosted panel at the annual Davos conference, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane confirmed the device would be announced in 2026. Frustratingly for OpenAI fans, Lehan didn't share any concrete details on what the device will be or do. So far, OpenAI has been tight-lipped about its AI wearable, and it's been described vaguely as a screen-free AI companion. With no confirmed details, rumors are spreading in foreign publications and on social media that the company is planning to release AI-powered wireless earbuds with an eye on tackling the AirPods market. The rumors come from Chinese publications and a leaker known as Smart Pikachu, who claims that the manufacturer Foxconn will build the device. The rumors say that Foxconn is working on a secretive earbuds project code-named "Sweet Pea" for a mystery client called "Gum Drop." The device would be similar to open-style earbuds with a charging case and a powerful internal processor to power AI features. Per Smart Pickachu, the AI earbuds would be hidden behind the ear, a design more like hearing aids than typical earbuds. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Of course, all of these leaks are unconfirmed, and "Sweet Pea" could be totally unrelated to OpenAI — or even non-existent. Still, the rumors are growing louder. Previous attempts to launch AI wearable devices have not been successful, with devices like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin failing to build a customer base. However, ChatGPT is the most popular AI chatbot, and OpenAI would be uniquely positioned to grow this market — especially with the involvement of a heavyweight designer like Ive. A raft of startups are also bringing new AI wearables to market, with a variety of form factors — smart glasses, AI rings and bracelets, and necklace or pendant-style AI devices with cameras and microphones. Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.