Apple is rushing to produce new types of wearable devices with artificial intelligence. The three products—smart glasses, upgraded AirPods, and an AirTag-sized pendant—will rely on built-in cameras, iPhone computing power, and an improved Siri voice assistant to power new AI capabilities.
A new report, based on anonymous sources inside the company, sheds light on what the devices will look like, what they’ll do and when we can expect them.
New details on Apple’s wearables with artificial intelligence
While Apple’s hardware prowess remains unrivaled, the company’s AI efforts currently fall far short of its competitors’ capabilities. Cupertino continues to be plagued by embarrassing delays in rolling out AI-enhanced Siri — envisioned as a key part of wearables with artificial intelligence.
But Apple promises to deliver a smarter Siri later this year. And we could see the first of the company’s new AI-focused hardware in 2026 as well, according to a report Tuesday from Bloomberg.
After lackluster sales of its expensive Vision Pro headset, Apple is looking for a hardware hit in a new product category. One of these wearables could be just the thing!
Apple’s smart glasses compete with the Meta
Apple plans to launch smart glasses with integrated high-definition cameras, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta series. While Apple initially considered partnering with eyeglass makers, the company has now decided to design its own frames.
“The design uses premium materials, including acrylic elements to give the glasses a premium feel,” he says Bloomberg. “Apple is already discussing introducing devices in additional styles over time.”
They will be available in several sizes and colors, with Apple’s superior build quality and camera technology setting them apart from the competition.
“Apple has made significant progress with its glasses, codenamed N50, in recent months and recently distributed a wider set of prototypes within its hardware engineering division,” it states Bloomberg. “The company is aiming to start production as early as December, before going public in 2027.”
Apple’s smart glasses will come with two camera systems. One will capture high-definition video and still images, while the other will provide input for AI-powered features.
Apple reportedly sees the glasses as an “all-day artificial intelligence companion” capable of capturing useful information about the wearer’s surroundings. For example, the glasses can identify objects the user sees, a la the iPhone’s visual intelligence feature. Or smart specs can recognize landmarks to make navigating city streets easier.
After seeing the success of the Meta smart glasses, Cupertino prioritized the development of its AI glasses and put the more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset on the back burner.
The AI pendant will take over the OpenAI device
It is said that Apple’s smart pendant, which he previously described Information as an artificial intelligence pin containing cameras and microphones would be clipped to clothing or worn on a chain around the neck.
Like smart glasses, Apple’s AI pendant would constantly capture video and transmit that data to the iPhone.
“Some Apple employees call it the ‘eyes and ears’ of the phone,” he claims Bloomberg.
Apple is rushing to beat OpenAI to market with this type of new AI device. OpenAI, which has teamed up with Apple’s former design chief Jony Ive to work on the hardware, reportedly wants to make “shared AI devices.”
Unlike Humane’s failed Ai Pin, Apple’s AirTag-sized pendant wouldn’t come with lasers or any other kind of display. According to him, Apple has not yet decided whether to add a speaker to the AI pendant Bloomberg.
The device is in the early stages of development and could be cancelled. If it sees the light of day, Apple’s artificial intelligence during “could be launched as early as next year.” Bloomberg he said.
AirPods with cameras for AI tasks
As previously reported, Apple plans to add cameras to AirPods to enable advanced AI features. As with the AI pendant, the updated AirPods “will be equipped with lower-resolution cameras designed to help the AI work rather than take photos or videos,” it said. Bloomberg.
AirPods with in-ear cameras could arrive this year. OpenAI is reportedly developing artificial intelligence headphones that could be released this year. (For more, see: First OpenAI device can use AirPods.)
Apple’s intense focus on AI
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently addressed employees and tried to get them thinking about the company’s AI ambitions. The talk followed Apple’s revelation that it would be relying on Google Gemini to support the long-delayed smarter Siri.
“There will be new categories of products and services that are enabled through AI, and we’re extremely excited about that,” Cook said. “We are excited about the opportunities Apple is opening up.”