Samsung close to supplying application processor for OpenAI’s new device

A promotional image fpr Samsung Electronics' Exynos 2600 / Captured from Samsung Electronics website

Samsung Electronics is likely to supply its Exynos application processor for OpenAI’s new earbud-type artificial intelligence (AI) device, expanding the chipset’s reach beyond smartphones into the emerging AI-wearable device market while strengthening its partnership with the world’s leading AI firm.

According to industry sources with knowledge on the matter, Friday, Samsung Electronics is “very close” to supplying its latest Exynos application processor built with its 2-nanometer-class process for OpenAI’s AI earbuds, known by its project name “Sweetpea.”

The sources’ comments follow recent reports by tech news outlets that Samsung’s Exynos application processor is currently “most favored,” citing tech insider Smart Pikachu’s post on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that OpenAI’s debut hardware will be an earbud aimed at “replacing iPhone actions by commanding Siri.”

Samsung Electronics declined to comment, saying it is a client-related matter, and OpenAI also declined to comment. However, the sources said the partnership between Samsung and OpenAI appears to have strengthened since former Apple chief design officer Jonathan Ive joined OpenAI to work on its device projects.

The new earbud is expected to be a wearable device that can operate independently without relying on a connected smartphone, rather than a simple wireless earbud. This would require a smartphone-level application processor and other advanced chips and components capable of supporting such performance.

High-performance application processors typically consume significant power and generate heat, making it challenging to put into small devices such as earbuds. Samsung has said the Exynos 2600 significantly improves power efficiency and thermal performance over its predecessor by adopting a 2-nanometer-class gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture.

Samsung has already built expertise in application processors for wearable devices through its Exynos W series used in the Galaxy Watch, which is believed to have worked in Samsung's favor.

A promotional image of Exynos W1000 / Captured from Samsung Electronics' website

It remains unclear whether the Exynos chipset said to be used for the OpenAI device will be based on Samsung’s smartphone-oriented Exynos 2600 or if it will be an evolved version of the Exynos W series.

While performance considerations point to a chipset derived from the Exynos 2600, factors such as always-on low-power operation, a focus on sensor and voice processing and the fact that the most advanced Exynos W1000 is already built on a 3-nanometer GAA architecture suggest that an upgraded Exynos W platform also remains as a possibility.

If the supply deal is finalized, it could mark a new breakthrough for Samsung’s application processor business, as the OpenAI device is projected to ship between 40 million and 50 million units in its first year. Supplying Exynos chips could also help support a rebound in the company’s System LSI and Foundry divisions, which have posted accumulated losses in recent years.