According to a new report from BloombergApple is “accelerating” its development of three new wearable products, including smart glasses, an AI pendant and AirPods equipped with a camera.
These products, according to the report, are “built on the Siri digital assistant.”
AI pin, glasses and AirPods with cameras
The smart glasses will reportedly feature a high-definition camera for taking photos and videos, designed to compete with the Meta smart glasses. Apple has reportedly made “significant progress” with the glasses in recent months. The glasses won’t include a display, but rather will rely on speakers, microphones and cameras.
Apple prototypes have two camera lenses. One is for high-resolution images and video, and the other is for “computer vision” that will “give the device environmental context.” Environmentally friendly, the glasses could, for example, mirror the functionality offered by Visual Intelligence on the iPhone.
This context can also be used for more accurate Apple Maps navigation, reminder integration, and more. “The goal is for the glasses to function as an all-day AI companion, capable of understanding what the user sees and does in real time,” the report states.
Apple is reportedly developing its own frames for the glasses in a range of different sizes and colors. She explored partnerships with other companies, but ultimately decided to design everything in-house.
Mark Gurman reports:
Early prototype glasses connect via a cable to a separate battery pack and iPhone, but newer versions have the components built into the frame. The design uses premium materials, including acrylic elements to give the glasses a premium feel. Apple has already been discussing launching the device in other styles over time.
Apple is also working on an AI wearable. Information last month they reported on Apple’s AI-powered AirTag pin-sized wearable, describing it as a “thin, flat, circular disk with an aluminum and glass shell” with two cameras, a speaker and three microphones.
Bloomberg Today adds to the report that the device “resembles the failed Humane AI pin,” but with a few key differences. For example, it will not have a display or projector system. While the Humane AI Pin sought to be a standalone product, Apple’s AI Pin will reportedly “rely heavily on the iPhone for processing.”
The pendant would essentially serve as an always-on smartphone camera that also includes a microphone for Siri input. Some Apple employees call it the “eyes and ears” of the phone.
One area of debate about the product was whether or not to include a speaker to allow users to have a direct conversation back and forth with the device. That means they could leave their iPhone in their pocket or bag or not wear their AirPods.
Apple envisions users wearing the AI pin with a clip attached to clothing or as a necklace. Gurman cautions that the product “remains in the early stages and could still be canceled,” but could launch as early as next year if Apple sticks to it.
Finally, Apple continues its work on camera-equipped AirPods, which could launch as early as this year.
9to5Mac’s Take
I’m glad Apple is speeding up work on these products, especially the Meta Ray-Ban style smart glasses. I think it’s a very fun form factor, just for taking photos and video alone – and Apple excels in camera technology in general. Sprinkle in some basic AI interactivity and contextual awareness and I could see these glasses being very useful.
I’m less convinced about AI as a product category. My opinion may change after seeing Apple demonstrate some real-world use cases, but right now my instinct is still that this feels like a solution in search of a problem.
Of course, this all depends on the new generation of Siri, which continues to face delays. Ideally, we won’t end up in another situation where the hardware is ready and waiting for the software. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced about that yet.
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