OpenAI taps Samsung Exynos for Sweetpea earbuds as it builds AI hardware ecosystem

OpenAI Builds Hardware Ecosystem with Samsung Partnership

OpenAI is expanding beyond software into a comprehensive OpenAI hardware ecosystem, developing AI-powered earbuds internally codenamed Sweetpea earbuds that will rely on Samsung Exynos application processors built on a 2nm process. According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics is "very close" to finalizing the supply deal for its latest Exynos chip, marking a shift for the AI company into consumer devices2

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. The move positions OpenAI to lock customers into an integrated ecosystem spanning AI models, dedicated ASICs, and consumer hardware including both Sweetpea and another device codenamed Gumdrop1

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The Sweetpea device is expected to function as a standalone AI wearable capable of independent operation without requiring a connected smartphone, according to tech insider Smart Pikachu's post on X. This design aims at "replacing iPhone actions by commanding Siri," suggesting direct competition with Apple's ecosystem2

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. The earbuds will feature cloud-based AI processing while leveraging the Samsung application processor for on-device processing tasks1

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Samsung's Exynos 2600 Brings Advanced Capabilities

While the exact Exynos variant remains unconfirmed, Samsung's current-generation Exynos 2600 chip launching with the Galaxy S26 series is based on the company's 2nm SF2 GAA process, offering improved power efficiency and thermal performance over predecessors1

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. These improvements address critical challenges for AI wearables, where high-performance application processors typically consume significant power and generate heat in compact form factors2

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Samsung's expertise in wearable application processor business through its Exynos W series used in Galaxy Watch devices likely strengthened its position for the OpenAI partnership2

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. Industry observers note the partnership appears to have strengthened since former Apple chief design officer Jonathan Ive joined OpenAI to work on device projects, bringing deep experience in consumer hardware design2

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Massive Market Potential for Samsung's Foundry Business

The OpenAI device is projected to ship between 40 million and 50 million units in its first year, representing substantial volume for Samsung's struggling semiconductor divisions2

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. Supplying Exynos chips could support a rebound in the company's System LSI and Foundry divisions, which have posted accumulated losses in recent years. This marks a potential breakthrough for Samsung's application processor business beyond its traditional smartphone market.

OpenAI Develops Titan AI ASIC to Reduce Dependence on NVIDIA

Beyond consumer devices, OpenAI is working with Broadcom on designing a dedicated AI-focused ASIC codenamed Titan AI ASIC. The chip will be manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process and is expected to debut by late 20261

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. By launching its own ASIC, OpenAI aims to reduce dependence on NVIDIA GPUs while improving its negotiating position for data centers infrastructure. This strategy mirrors approaches by Google with its TPUs and Amazon with its Trainium ASICs.

Broadcom is already expected to provide advanced networking, optical links, and other hardware to accelerate OpenAI's data centers operations1

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. The next generation Titan 2 chip is expected to leverage TSMC's A16 process, which should deliver substantial performance improvements for AI processing workloads. This multi-pronged hardware strategy signals OpenAI's ambition to control more of its technology stack from data centers to consumer devices, reducing reliance on external GPU suppliers while building direct relationships with end users through AI wearables.