OpenAI Leaks Details of ‘Sweetpea’ AI-Powered Behind‑Ear Wearable
Key Points
- OpenAI is developing a behind‑ear wearable codenamed Sweetpea.
- The device places the battery and processor behind the ear for a larger battery capacity.
- A custom chip is said to command Siri, enabling deep integration with Apple’s assistant.
- Ultrasonic transmitter and sensors could provide environmental sensing and contextual awareness.
- The leak suggests a launch near September 2026 with a premium price due to smartphone‑grade components.
- Projected production target is 40‑50 million units, indicating ambitious market expectations.
A recent leak on X reveals that OpenAI is developing a behind‑ear wearable called Sweetpea, designed to integrate ChatGPT functionality directly into a discreet ear‑mounted device. The prototype reportedly includes a custom chip that can issue commands to Siri, an ultrasonic transmitter for environmental sensing, and a larger battery positioned behind the ear for extended use. The leaker, known as Smart Pikachu, suggests the device could launch near September 2026 with a high price point reflecting its smartphone‑grade components. Sweetpea appears aimed at competing with mainstream earbuds while offering AI‑first capabilities.
What Is Sweetpea?
OpenAI, best known for its ChatGPT chatbot, is reportedly venturing into consumer hardware with a new wearable codenamed Sweetpea. According to a leak posted on X by the account Smart Pikachu, Sweetpea is a behind‑ear device that places most of its hardware—such as the battery and processor—behind the user’s ear rather than inside the ear canal. This design choice makes the device resemble a hearing aid more than a traditional set of earbuds.
Key Features and Architecture
The leaked information highlights several distinctive features. Sweetpea is said to incorporate a custom chip capable of replacing iPhone actions by commanding Siri, suggesting a deep integration with Apple’s virtual assistant. In addition, the device appears to include an ultrasonic transmitter and signal‑pickup sensors, which could enable environmental sensing or contextual awareness beyond standard Bluetooth audio functions. By locating the battery and processing unit behind the ear, the design may accommodate a larger battery, offering longer runtimes for an AI assistant that is always active.
Potential Market Position and Pricing
Smart Pikachu notes that the materials and components used in Sweetpea are close in cost to those found in smartphones, implying a premium price tag for early adopters. The leaker also mentions an ambitious production target of 40‑50 million units, indicating OpenAI’s confidence in the device’s market appeal. The projected release window is described as “near September” 2026, aligning the launch with a period when other companies are emphasizing AI‑first wearables at major tech shows.
Strategic Implications
If the leak proves accurate, Sweetpea would mark OpenAI’s first foray into hardware, extending its AI capabilities from cloud‑based services to a personal, on‑body form factor. By integrating directly with Siri and leveraging ultrasonic sensing, the device could offer a new level of contextual interaction, potentially reshaping how users engage with AI assistants in daily life. The behind‑ear form factor also differentiates Sweetpea from competing earbuds, positioning it as a niche product that blends assistive technology with consumer electronics.
Outlook
The information released by Smart Pikachu provides a rare glimpse into OpenAI’s hardware roadmap. While many details remain unconfirmed, the described features suggest a device that aims to combine AI conversational power with a discreet, always‑ready wearable. If Sweetpea reaches the market as described, it could influence both the wearable industry and the broader landscape of AI‑driven personal devices.