OpenAI's AI Earbuds Named Dime Could Launch Simpler Than Expected Due to Component Shortages

OpenAI's First Hardware Product Might Be Named Dime, Key Details Leaked

* OpenAI's first hardware product might be earbuds * The product might be named Dime * Here's everything you need to know OpenAI recently announced that it will soon introduce its first AI-enabled hardware product later this year. The San Francisco-based artificial intelligence (AI) giant is said to be working on an audio-focused wearable, which is said to ship in early 2027. Now, a new leak has emerged online revealing some key details about the upcoming hardware. Here's what you need to know. OpenAI's First Hardware Might Be Earbuds According to the tipster Smart Pikachu, OpenAI's first hardware might be earbuds. The tipster claims that the upcoming earbuds might be named Dime. Moreover, the tipster further stated that the company might roll out a more basic version first before going full throttle on a more ambitious AI-enabled product. As per the tipster, a recent patent filing linked to OpenAI has been made public in China. The filing revealed that the name of the product would be Dime. The tipster claims that the company might launch simple earbuds first. The tipster further claims that the 'phone-like' device with computing power might get delayed due to the HBM shortage, which made the bill of materials (BOM) price too high. The company is said to launch a simpler version for 2026, while the advanced SKU is likely to follow later in the schedule once the component prices stabilise. Previously, Chris Lehane, OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer, revealed that the company is planning to make its first AI device later this year. However, the executive did not provide a specific timeline for when it could arrive. Meanwhile, OpenAI recently introduced a new AI model for agentic coding known as GPT-5.3-Codex. The new model is currently available to all paid ChatGPT plans across the globe. The brand claims that the new model is 25 percent faster than the previous version, and the early versions of the model also helped the team refine the final product. Moreover, the GPT-5.3-Codex can build complex web games from underspecified prompts, iterating autonomously over millions of tokens. Apart from this, the new model also supports full software lifecycle management, including writing PRDs, editing copy, user research, building slide decks, analysing spreadsheets and monitoring systems.

OpenAI's "Sweetpea" Earbuds To Be Sold Under The Consumer Name "Dime," Now Expected To Chronically Underdeliver On The Hype

OpenAI is chomping at the proverbial bit to bring its first consumer AI device, bearing the internal codename Sweetpea, to the market by the second half of 2026. However, the device is now expected to chronically underdeliver on its promised potential, if the latest tidbit from a source pans out. While speaking at the Axios House Davos event of this year's World Economic Forum, OpenAI's Lehane chose to disclose that the startup's first consumer AI device constituted one of its highest priorities, and that it was working to launch the device in the second half of 2026. Then, Taiwan's Economic Daily added color to this picture by noting that OpenAI was likely to launch the device in September 2026, and was targeting a sales volume of between 40 million and 50 million units in the first year. The publication also added that the device was likely to be manufactured by Foxconn in Vietnam. Of course, we already know from a slew of recent reports that OpenAI is apparently working on dedicated AI-powered earbuds that bear the internal codename "Sweetpea." The device would rely heavily on cloud-based AI processing, while featuring a 2nm Samsung Exynos chip for some on-device processing. Now, however, the well-known tipster Smart Pikachu has come out with a scoop, noting that as per a recent patent filed by OpenAI, the upcoming earbuds would be sold under the consumer name Dime. Critically, the tipster believes that Dime's first iteration would consist of a "simple headphone," and that the earbuds with "phone-like" computing power have now been delayed. According to the tipster, the ongoing memory price hikes have rendered the Bill of Materials (BOM) for the device's 2nm chip quite pricey, which then played an important role in changing OpenAI's overarching calculus for the device. Of course, OpenAI is also working on another consumer device that is reportedly shaped like a pen and sports a size similar to that of the Apple iPod Shuffle. The device bears the internal codename "Gumdrop," and is entirely bereft of a dedicated screen. Additional details include: However, judging from the underwhelming nature of Dime's first iteration, we would not be surprised if "Gumdrop" also experiences a significant delay.

OpenAI AI Earbuds Leak: Voice-First Gadget May Launch Before Advanced Hardware

A New Leak Hints That OpenAI May Launch AI-Powered Earbuds Before Advanced Hardware; Will A Voice-First Gadget Shape Its Consumer Tech Plans? OpenAI's long-discussed entry into consumer hardware could start with a much simpler product than expected. A fresh leak suggests the ChatGPT maker is working on AI-powered earbuds that may arrive before any advanced standalone hardware. According to recent information shared by a known tipster, could be a pair of smart earbuds built around voice interaction. The earbuds are allegedly codenamed 'Dime' internally. The name reportedly appeared in a patent filing spotted in China and linked to the company. If the claims are accurate, OpenAI may use earbuds as an entry point into hardware rather than launching a complex AI gadget right away. This approach could help the company test consumer demand while keeping costs and production risks under control.