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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Amanda Caswell

ChatGPT earbuds may be coming in 2026 — but can they really compete with AirPods?

Apple EarPods.

OpenAI is reportedly gearing up to release its first consumer hardware device in the second half of 2026, and industry leaks suggest it could take the form of AI-enabled earbuds designed to rival Apple’s AirPods.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, confirmed that the company is on track to unveil its first physical AI device in the second half of 2026. It would be a major pivot for OpenAI, a company best known for ChatGPT and cloud-based AI services.

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