Apple's Next Big Move: Three AI Wearables in Development
Apple Bets Big on AI Wearables with Three New Devices
Tech giant Apple is quietly building an ecosystem of AI-powered wearables that could change how we use technology in our daily lives. According to industry reports, the company has three distinct products in development: smart glasses, an AI pin/pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods.
The Vision: Screenless Smart Glasses
Apple's most ambitious project appears to be its AI smart glasses, seen as a direct competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses but with a twist. Prototypes have already reached the hardware engineering team, with production potentially starting as early as December 2026 for a 2027 launch.
What makes these glasses unique? They'll ditch the display completely, relying instead on voice interaction through an advanced version of Siri. The device will pack not one but two cameras: a high-resolution camera for photos and videos, plus another dedicated to helping Siri understand your surroundings - measuring distances and interpreting what you're looking at.
Imagine walking down the street and asking your glasses about that interesting building you just passed. Or having them read physical text aloud and automatically add appointments to your calendar. Real-time translation and context-aware reminders could make these more than just another wearable - they might become indispensable assistants.
The Subtle Companion: AI Pin/Pendant
For those who prefer something less conspicuous, Apple is developing what it calls an AI pin or pendant. Still in early stages, this device might debut around the same time as the glasses in 2027.
The pin will feature a low-resolution camera strictly for environmental awareness (no photos or videos), along with a microphone for Siri interactions. Most processing will happen on your iPhone rather than the device itself. You'll be able to clip it onto clothing or bags, making it one of the most discreet ways to carry AI with you throughout the day.
Earbuds That See: Camera-Equipped AirPods
The third piece of Apple's wearable puzzle might arrive sooner than expected - possibly even this year. These next-generation AI AirPods will include a low-resolution camera similar to the pin's, designed solely for gathering visual information rather than capturing images.
Why This Matters
What ties these devices together is their focus on contextual awareness - giving Siri eyes to understand your world while keeping interactions natural and unobtrusive. By distributing these capabilities across different form factors (glasses for immersive experiences, pins for subtlety, earbuds for audio-centric situations), Apple seems to be betting that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to wearable AI.
The company appears determined to avoid repeating Google Glass's mistakes by making its smart glasses screenless from the start - focusing instead on voice interaction through what promises to be a significantly smarter version of Siri.
Key Points:
- Smart Glasses: Voice-controlled without display; dual cameras; potential 2027 launch
- AI Pin/Pendant: Discreet wearable focusing on environmental awareness; iPhone-dependent processing
- Camera AirPods: Ear-level visual input; possibly launching soonest of the three products
- Common Thread: All devices designed around contextual awareness and deeper Siri integration
