Apple accelerates AI wearables push with smart glasses, camera AirPods, and pendant in the works
28 Sources
[1]
Apple's Trio of AI Wearables Could Arrive as Soon as Next Year
Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps It seems like every big tech company is getting its feet into the AI wearables game, and Apple is joining in. According to reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a trio of Apple wearables
[2]
Apple Ramps Up Work on Glasses, Pendant, and Camera AirPods for AI Era
Apple Inc. is accelerating development of three new wearable devices as part of a shift toward artificial intelligence-powered hardware, a category also being pursued by OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc. The company is ramping up work on smart glasses, a pendant that can be pinned to a shirt or worn
[3]
Apple’s AI Gadgets Don’t Sound Groundbreaking at All
Apple seems to be inching toward AI gadgets, and if a recent report from Bloomberg is any indication, lots of them will have one thing in common: they'll use "Visual Intelligence." In case you're not brushed up on your Apple branding, "Visual Intelligence" is the company's version of computer
[4]
Apple's upcoming AI smart glasses are starting to sound a lot more exciting - 9to5Mac
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Apple will be "accelerating" the development of three upcoming AI wearables: smart glasses, a pendant, and AirPods with cameras. These three products are all meant to integrate Siri deeper into our everyday lives, and I'll be focusing on the glasses aspect
[5]
Apple smart glasses may have a secret weapon against Meta Ray-Bans -- they can understand what you're looking at
As Apple reportedly doubles its efforts to bring in a trifecta of AI wearables, its anticipated smart glasses are at the forefront to take on Meta Ray-Bans. And it already has just the feature to do so: Visual Intelligence. The rumored Apple AI Glasses will rely on the company's visual AI to "see"
[6]
Visual Intelligence could be Apple's killer AI wearable feature
Visual Intelligence can identify objects and integrate with apps while maintaining privacy through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute. Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter has several interesting tidbits about upcoming Apple products, but perhaps the most fascinating concerns
[7]
Apple's AI Wearables Expected to Lean Heavily on Visual Intelligence
Apple's Visual Intelligence is expected to feature heavily in the company's upcoming set of AI wearable devices, which could include smart glasses, a pendant, and more advanced AirPods, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that hints dropped
[8]
Apple's AI Pendant Sounds Like a Watered-Down Humane Ai Pin
If you were tempted to make the comparison between Apple's rumored AI pin and Humane's notorious Ai Pin, let me stop you right there. There's (reportedly) a big difference, and that difference is that Humane's defunct AI gadget actually tried to be something other than an accessory to your
[9]
Apple is reportedly working on AI smart glasses, AirPods that can see, and its own version of those disastrous AI pins
According to recent reports, Apple is going hard on the next generation of AI wearable technology. So far, even the best Apple Watches have been largely limited to health and fitness and a few communication features as an extension of your phone, while its AirPods Pro 3 have been enhanced with
[10]
Apple is developing AI smart glasses, AirPods, and pendant, report says
Tim Cook appears at Apple Park during WWDC 2025. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Apple / YouTube Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who seems to have a direct line into goings on at Apple HQ, reported today that Apple is working on a trio of new AI wearables -- smart glasses, a pendant-style AI device, and
[11]
Apple's upcoming smart glasses could get dual cameras and a touch of luxury
New leak suggests Apple smart glasses will blend fashion and advanced imaging Apple is accelerating work on its long-rumored smart glasses, and new reporting suggests the device is shaping up to be one of the company's most ambitious entries in the personal AI era. Early prototypes point toward a
[12]
AppleInsider.com
In the face of competition from Open AI and Meta, Apple is said to be redoubling its efforts to get a wearable pendant and camera-equipped AirPods right. In a bid to follow the AI marketplace trends, Apple is rumored to be working on a number of new products that take advantage of artificial
[13]
Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per report - 9to5Mac
According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is "accelerating" its development of three new wearable products, including smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods. These products, the report says, are being "built around the Siri digital assistant." The smart glasses will
[14]
Apple's AI wearable roadmap is getting wild: Prepare for AI pendant, smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
In fact, they may be coming as soon as the end of the year, with leaks suggesting the all-new Apple Glasses could arrive by December 2026. However, recent rumors indicate a 2027 launch, with the AI pendant and AI AirPods following suit. Here's a closer look at what to expect from Apple's new range
[15]
Rumors Suggest Apple and Meta Are Betting Big on AI Wearables
These are all rumors as of now, but both companies seem to be betting big on AI wearables. The next generation of Meta's Display smart glasses might come with a smart watch. According to a report from The Information, Meta's watch, codenamed Malibu 2, could feature fitness tracking features and
[16]
Apple racing to launch an AI pendant to serve as your iPhone's eyes and ears
The AI hardware industry is moving fast, and it seems Apple wants in on the trend. As per a report by Bloomberg, the company is working on an AI pendant that will come equipped with a camera and might serve as the "eyes and ears" for a paired iPhone. In addition to the pendant, the company is also
[17]
Apple's N50 smart glasses targeting 2027 launch
Apple is reportedly accelerating the development of three AI-powered wearable products. These devices include an AI pendant, AI-powered smart glasses, and AirPods with new AI capabilities. The information was reported by Bloomberg, following an earlier report from The Information. The AI pendant
[18]
Apple's AI Pendant Said to Use In-House Visual Intelligence Models
Apple's AI wearables could be able to provide context-based results Apple is developing new AirPods models with cameras, while also foraying into new AI-powered wearable categories, a report recently highlighted. The company is said to be working on an AI-enabled pendant that could be worn around
[19]
Apple Is Racing to Build Smart Glasses, AI AirPods and a Pendant You Wear Around Your Neck
Bloomberg reports the company is accelerating three camera-equipped wearables to compete with Meta and OpenAI -- with production starting as early as December. Apple seems to be betting its future on wearables. The company is accelerating development of three camera-equipped devices, according to
[20]
Apple's AI pendant could be the 'eyes and ears' of the iPhone | Stuff
The report in January that Apple is planning an AirTag-like wearable AI pendant came from a credible source, but also out of left field. Now the report been corroborated by a noted Apple watcher. In a wider update about Apple's wearable ambitions, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has an update about the
[21]
Did Tim Cook hint at Apple developing AI glasses and camera wearables? What we know so far
Apple is reportedly gearing up for a new era of AI wearables. CEO Tim Cook's recent comments suggest a strong push towards devices leveraging Visual Intelligence. This technology, which analyses a user's surroundings, could power future AirPods, smart glasses, and even a pendant. Apple is usually
[22]
Apple's Secret AI Wearables: Everything We Know About the New Glasses, Pin, and AirPods
Apple is reportedly developing a new lineup of AI-powered wearable devices, including AR glasses, an AI communication pin, and AI-enhanced AirPods. These devices are designed to transform how you interact with technology by using artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, more intuitive
[23]
Apple Is Working on an AI Pendant, AI Smart Glasses and AirPods with Cameras
Apple is also working on AI smartglasses as well as AirPods with some sort of AI capabilities. Apple seems to be working on a trio of AI-powered wearable devices, which includes a AirTag sized pendant, its own AI-smart glasses, and AirPods with improved AI functionality. The Cupertino giant is
[24]
Apple Working On An AirTag-Sized AI Pendant As The Race For AI-Enabled Consumer Devices Heats Up
Apple intends to complement its upcoming camera-equipped AirPods Pro with a dedicated AI pendant, with both devices expected to serve a niche segment within the overall wearable AI segment, one where subtlety seemingly reigns supreme, unlike the more in-your-face smart glasses. We noted recently
[25]
Apple Said to Be Exploring AI-Centric Wearables Beyond iPhone
Camera-equipped AirPods are also reported to be in development Apple is said to be developing a new wave of AI-centric hardware. According to a seasoned journalist, the Cupertino-based tech giant's lineup of artificial intelligence (AI) devices includes smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods, and
[26]
Apple smart glasses sounding ready to go head-to-head with Meta | Stuff
Apple has made "significant progress" on its smart glasses. It all appears to be coming together for a launch in 2027. Apple is reportedly "accelerating" work on its next generation of wearables arriving as soon as 2027... and there isn't a screen in sight. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports the
[27]
Apple Equipping The Next AirPods Pro With A Camera To Take On Meta's Dominance In The Wearables Segment
Apple is equipping a range of upcoming devices, including the next AirPods Pro, with a camera to imbue them with incremental AI features, thereby hoping to halt Meta's relentless ascendancy in the wearable AI segment. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has been working for quite a while
[28]
Apple ramps up AI hardware plans with smart glasses, wearable pendant and upgraded AirPods: Report
Pendant and upgraded AirPods may arrive earlier, possibly from 2026. Apple is reportedly accelerating work on three new wearable devices, viz., smart glasses, a clip-on pendant and camera-equipped AirPods, as part of a broader push into artificial intelligence-powered hardware. According to a
Share
Copy Link
Apple is ramping up development of three AI-powered wearables: smart glasses with dual cameras, AirPods equipped with infrared sensors, and a camera-enabled pendant. All three devices will rely on Visual Intelligence and deeper Siri integration, targeting releases between late 2026 and 2027 as Apple enters the AI hardware race against Meta and Google.
Apple Enters AI Hardware Race With Three New Wearables
Apple is accelerating development of a trio of AI wearables that could reshape how users interact with artificial intelligence in their daily lives. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the company is ramping up work on smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, and an AI pendant, all built around deeper Siri integration and the company's Visual Intelligence feature
2
. The move signals Apple's determination to compete in the AI hardware race alongside Meta, Google, and OpenAI, even as the company plays catch-up in the broader AI landscape.
Source: Geeky Gadgets
During an all-hands meeting earlier this month, CEO Tim Cook hinted at the company's ambitious plans, telling employees that Apple is working on new "categories of products" enabled by artificial intelligence
2
. "We're extremely excited about that," Cook said, adding that "the world is changing fast." The push into AI-powered wearables comes as iPhone sales remain robust but the company faces mounting pressure to demonstrate innovation beyond its core product lines, particularly after the pricey Vision Pro headset failed to resonate with consumers.Smart Glasses Lead Apple's Wearable Vision
The smart glasses represent the most advanced offering in Apple's planned AI wearables lineup. Code-named N50, the glasses have made significant progress in recent months, with the company distributing broader sets of prototypes within its hardware engineering division
2
. Apple is targeting the start of production as early as December, ahead of a public release in 2027.Unlike the augmented reality glasses Apple has long been rumored to develop, these AI-powered wearables will feature no display, instead relying on speakers, microphones, and camera sensors for interaction
1
. The design philosophy mirrors Meta Ray-Bans, which have become a hit since launching in late 2023. However, Apple aims to differentiate through two key areas: build quality and camera technology.The glasses will incorporate two camera lenses—one high-resolution sensor for capturing photos and video, and another dedicated to computer vision, similar to technology used in Vision Pro
2
. This second sensor is designed to give the device environmental context, helping it more accurately interpret surroundings and measure distances between objects. Early prototypes connected via cable to a standalone battery pack and iPhone, but newer versions have components embedded directly in the frame using high-end materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel.
Source: Beebom
Apple initially considered partnerships with popular eyewear brands, following the industry trend set by Meta's collaboration with EssilorLuxottica and Google's partnership with Warby Parker. However, the company recently decided to develop its own frames in-house in a variety of sizes and colors, leveraging its retail stores where customers could try on the glasses and get them sized
1
.Visual Intelligence Powers the AI Experience
Visual Intelligence, Apple's version of computer vision, will serve as the defining feature across the company's AI wearables lineup
5
. First introduced on the iPhone 16 Pro and available from iPhone 15 Pro and up, the feature allows users to analyze on-screen content and the world around them through the camera. It can recognize objects, offer information about them, answer questions, enable real-time translation, and conduct instant web searches.During Apple's earnings call, Tim Cook heavily emphasized Visual Intelligence, calling it "one of our most popular features" that "helps users learn and do more than ever with the content on their iPhone screen"
5
. 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. Wearers could look at an object and ask what it is, inquire about ingredients in a meal, or get assistance with everyday tasks2
.Apple is also exploring more advanced uses, such as reading printed text and converting it into digital data. The technology could provide upgraded turn-by-turn directions, telling users to go past a specific landmark rather than just a certain number of feet
3
. Currently, Visual Intelligence relies on OpenAI's ChatGPT for results, though Apple is reportedly working on its own AI visual models that could coincide with the eventual release of Siri 2.0 in 2026.A potentially breakthrough element comes from Apple's recent $2-billion acquisition of Q.ai, a startup specializing in machine learning systems for interpreting silent voice input
4
. The company also researched systems for interpreting micro facial movements, enabling them to understand speech without it being audible at all. If successfully integrated, this technology could address one of the biggest practical limitations of voice assistant-powered wearables: the need to speak audibly in public or quiet environments.AirPods With Cameras Target 2026 Launch
The AirPods update expected later this year represents Apple's first piece in the next wearable puzzle. The AirPods Pro 3 design will add infrared cameras focused on gesture tracking rather than taking pictures
1
. The cameras should work similarly to Vision Pro's near-range hand tracking and will likely function in the dark. These AirPods with cameras are envisioned as simpler offerings, equipped with lower-resolution sensors designed to help the AI work rather than for capturing photos or videos2
.
Source: Wccftech
If these arrive in 2026, they'll push out some AI functions and allow simple hand gestures that could control music or interact with workouts. The gesture tracking technology could also serve as a testing ground for capabilities that might eventually land on the smart glasses.
Related Stories
AI Pendant Remains Uncertain
Gurman emphasizes that a camera-enabled AI pendant is also in the works, with a potential release in 2027, though there's also a chance this device might not happen at all
1
. The pendant, which could be pinned to a shirt or worn as a necklace, sounds reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin but would focus on being an iPhone accessory rather than an independent device2
.Most other tech companies have been gravitating toward pendants and pins lately, as evidenced by announcements made at CES in January. Pins could be more versatile to wear and might serve as a hedge in case consumers don't embrace glasses. The report sounds less certain on the pendant's arrival than on the glasses and new AirPods.
Competitive Landscape Intensifies
Apple's accelerated push into AI-powered wearables comes as the competitive landscape intensifies rapidly. Meta Ray-Bans have already become a hit, demonstrating consumer appetite for camera-equipped eyewear despite privacy concerns
4
. Google is preparing its own lineup of glasses powered by Gemini, with Google I/O scheduled for late May potentially serving as the launch platform1
. OpenAI is also developing a series of devices, including wearables, with the help of ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive and other former Apple executives.Apple's recent deal with Google to have Gemini power its next wave of Apple AI always suggested wearables, because Gemini's camera-enabled and live modes are key to Google's upcoming wave of glasses
1
. Apple could be using Gemini to leap ahead in camera and context-aware live AI functions that could make these new wearables work.However, questions remain about whether Apple's approach represents genuine innovation or simply catching up to competitors. As Gizmodo notes, the Visual Intelligence use cases described—identifying food ingredients, providing navigation instructions, offering task-specific guidance—are already available in Meta Ray-Bans and other smart glasses
3
. Computer vision remains one of the least reliable features of current smart glasses, often getting details wrong and making it difficult to trust for daily use.The longer-term implications extend beyond individual devices. AI is expected to change the way consumers use phones, with more activities shifting to peripherals. Apple is looking for a breakthrough with its accelerated push into wearable devices, aiming to keep users locked into the Apple ecosystem
2
. Down the road, Apple could find a way to blend a lower-cost Vision headset in a more glasses-like form with these types of smaller wearables, or the company might be figuring out ways to explore new interfaces on wearables first before solving for a new wave of wearable displays beyond Vision Pro.Odds are consumers won't hear anything about these plans until at least Apple's WWDC developer conference in June, though the company could provide an advance preview similar to what it did with Vision Pro and the original Apple Watch
1
. With Google potentially readying its glasses lineup soon, the race to define the next generation of AI wearables is accelerating rapidly.References
Summarized by
Navi
Related Stories
Recent Highlights
1
OpenAI Solves Navier-Stokes Problem With AI, Sparking Existential Crisis in Mathematics
Science and Research
2
OpenAI Agents Launched RubyGems Attack With 2,000+ Malicious Packages, Attempted API Key Theft
Technology
3
OpenAI Reveals 6 New Cases of AI Models Hiding Mistakes and Breaking Rules
Policy and Regulation
Recent Highlights
Today's Top Stories
Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Follow topics that matter to you and stay ahead.
