Apple reportedly readies trio of AI-powered wearable devices

Apple is accelerating the development of three distinct AI-powered wearable devices as the company looks to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like Meta and Snap. The Information reported that Apple is reportedly developing an AI wearable pendant equipped with cameras. The publication described the device as an AirTag-sized pendant with cameras that could be pinned to a user’s shirt. Bloomberg subsequently reported that the development of this pendant, along with two other AI-powered items, is accelerating as the company seeks to remain competitive with other technology companies racing to release similar products.

The upcoming smart glasses, which are code-named N50, represent a key part of this hardware push. Apple faces direct competition in this space from other companies working on similar products, including Meta—which is arguably the most successful player when it comes to smart glasses—and Snap, which plans to release its “Specs” later this year. Bloomberg, a news outlet, reported that Apple is “targeting the start of production as early as December, ahead of a public release in 2027.” The outlet also noted that the new smart glasses may see a public release sooner rather than later, and will supposedly include a high-resolution camera. These glasses are expected to be more upscale and feature-rich compared to the other devices currently in development, such as the AI pendant and the new AirPods.

Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on AirPods with new AI capabilities. All of these upcoming AI-powered items will connect to the iPhone. The outlet asserted that Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, will serve as a critical component of the user experience for these devices. TechCrunch reached out to Apple for more information.

Why it matters

Apple is accelerating the development of multiple AI-powered wearables, including smart glasses and an AI pendant, to remain competitive with rivals like Meta and Snap.