Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s AI Gadget Could Rival AirPods
▼ Summary
– OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive are reportedly collaborating on an AI audio gadget codenamed “Sweetpea,” designed as an earpiece to be worn behind the ear.
– The device is described as a “special audio product” intended to replace AirPods, with manufacturing by Foxconn planned for five total units by late 2028.
– It is expected to feature a powerful 2nm smartphone-style processor and a custom chip, aiming to allow users to command Siri and replace some iPhone actions.
– The core function is speculated to be an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT, enabling audio playback, calls, and phone control, though its exact capabilities are not yet confirmed.
– The article questions its necessity, noting it must offer more than existing earbuds to succeed, and compares the challenge to other failed attempts to replace smartphones with standalone AI hardware.
A new audio device from a powerhouse collaboration could soon challenge the dominance of Apple’s AirPods. Reports suggest that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and legendary Apple designer Jony Ive are developing a unique AI-powered gadget, codenamed “Sweetpea.” According to a supply chain source with a track record for Apple rumors, this product is designed as a “special audio product” intended to function as an alternative to popular wireless earbuds.
The leaked information describes a device consisting of two pill-shaped units that rest behind the ear, stored in an egg-shaped charging case. While basic functions like playing audio and handling calls are expected, the core innovation likely lies in its integration of advanced artificial intelligence. The gadget is rumored to center on a sophisticated AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT, potentially allowing for complex voice commands and interactions without needing a smartphone nearby.
Technical specifications hinted at in the leak point to ambitious hardware. The device is said to target a 2nm smartphone-style processor, with a custom co-processor developed to enable the replacement of certain iPhone actions through voice commands to an assistant like Siri. This suggests “Sweetpea” could operate with a significant degree of independence from a paired phone, positioning it as a more standalone piece of wearable technology.
Manufacturing plans reportedly involve Foxconn, with an initial production run of five devices targeted for the fourth quarter of 2028. A potential release window is speculated for later this year. Beyond this audio product, the collaboration between Altman and Ive might extend to other form factors, including a home-style device and even a smart pen, though the earpiece appears to be the first project nearing reality.
The success of such a device is far from guaranteed, however. The wireless earbud market is fiercely competitive, with established features like active noise cancellation becoming standard consumer expectations. Furthermore, the concept of a standalone AI wearable has faced recent market skepticism, highlighted by the high-profile challenges encountered by products like the Humane Ai Pin. Consumers have shown strong loyalty to the smartphone as a central hub, and any device aiming to reduce that reliance must offer a profoundly compelling and seamless experience.
Ultimately, while the prospect of a Jony Ive-designed AI gadget generates significant intrigue, its impact will depend on execution. To truly rival products like AirPods, it must deliver more than just imitation; it needs to introduce a genuinely novel and useful paradigm for personal audio and AI interaction. The industry will be watching closely to see if this partnership can translate visionary concepts into a practical and desirable consumer product.
(Source: Gizmodo)
