Apple Speeds Up Development of AI Smart Glasses, Wearable Pin and Camera-Enabled AirPods: Report

Highlights

• Apple is reportedly accelerating work on three AI-driven devices, smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods.
• The glasses feature cameras for photo/video capture and environmental awareness, while the pendant acts as an eyes and ears companion device linked to iPhone.
• Apple is also developing AirPods with integrated cameras, potentially launching this year.

(Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash)

Apple is reportedly ramping up development of three new artificial intelligence-focused wearable devices, according to a fresh report from Bloomberg. The products in the pipeline include smart glasses, an AI-powered pendant and AirPods equipped with cameras, all designed around Apple’s Siri digital assistant.

Apple Smart Glasses to Rival Meta

Apple’s AI smart glasses are intended to compete with offerings from Meta Platforms. The glasses are expected to feature a high-resolution camera capable of capturing photos and videos. These glasses will reportedly not include a display, but will rely on built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras to deliver functionality.

Prototypes are said to include two cameras with one for high-resolution photo and video capture and another dedicated to “computer vision” to provide environmental context. This context-aware capability could enable features similar to Visual Intelligence on the iPhone.

Meta Smart Glasses. (Image credit – Meta)

Such environmental awareness may also enhance navigation through Apple Maps, integrate with Reminders, and support additional real-time assistance. The report states, “The goal is for the glasses to function as an all-day AI companion, capable of understanding what a user is seeing and doing in real time,”

Apple is reportedly designing its own frames in-house in multiple sizes and colours. While the company explored partnerships with other manufacturers, it ultimately chose to handle design and development internally.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said, “Early prototypes of the glasses connect via a cable to a standalone battery pack and an iPhone, but newer versions have the components embedded in the frame. The design uses high-end materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel. Apple is already discussing launching the device in additional styles over time.”

Apple’s AI Pendant

Apple is also said to be developing an AI-powered pendant device, resembling a wearable pin. Last month, The Information described it as a thin, flat, circular disc similar in size to an AirTag, featuring an aluminium-and-glass shell, two cameras, a speaker, and three microphones.

Bloomberg’s latest report notes that the device is “reminiscent of the failed Humane AI pin,” but with key distinctions. Notably, Apple’s version will not include a display or projector.

Apple’s AI-powered pendant device is expected to be the size of an AirTag. (Image credit – Apple)

“The pendant would essentially serve as an always-on camera for the smartphone that also includes a microphone for Siri input. Some Apple employees call it the “eyes and ears” of the phone. One area of debate for the product has been whether or not to include a speaker, which would allow users to hold back-and-forth conversations with the device directly. That means they could leave their iPhone in their pocket or bag or not wear AirPods,” the report adds.

Apple reportedly envisions users wearing the AI pin either clipped to clothing or as a necklace. However, Gurman cautions that the device remains in early development and could still be scrapped. If development proceeds as planned, it could debut as early as next year.

Camera-Equipped AirPods

In addition to the smart glasses and AI pendant, Apple is continuing the development of AirPods with integrated cameras. These upgraded earbuds could launch as soon as this year.

FAQs

Q1. What AI-focused wearables is Apple currently developing?

Answer. Apple is working on smart glasses, an AI-powered pendant (wearable pin), and AirPods with integrated cameras, all designed around Siri.

Q2. How will Apple’s smart glasses differ from AR headsets?

Answer. Unlike AR headsets, Apple’s glasses won’t have a display. Instead, they’ll use cameras, microphones, and speakers to provide real-time environmental awareness and AI assistance.

Q3. What is unique about Apple’s AI pendant?

Answer. The pendant acts as the “eyes and ears” of the iPhone, featuring cameras and microphones for Siri input. It relies on the iPhone for processing power and may be worn as a necklace or clipped to clothing.

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