Apple is ramping up the development of AI-driven wearables, including smart glasses, a pendant, and upgraded AirPods, aiming for a 2027 launch.
Apple is intensifying efforts to develop three innovative wearable devices, pivoting towards AI-enabled technology, as reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg.
The tech giant is focusing on smart glasses, a pendant, and enhanced AirPods, all designed to leverage the capabilities of Siri, which will utilize visual context for task execution. These devices will incorporate cameras and work in tandem with the iPhone.
Smart Glasses
The smart glasses, codenamed N50, are projected to be the flagship product, with prototype testing already underway within Apple’s engineering teams. Production is slated to kick off in December, with an anticipated market release in 2027.
Notably, these glasses will not feature a traditional display. Instead, they will utilize speakers, microphones, and cameras, allowing users to make calls, engage with Siri, listen to music, and capture photos. Apple aims to excel in build quality and camera technology, incorporating high-end materials for a premium look and feel.
Equipped with two cameras, the first will focus on high-resolution photography, while the second will enhance computer vision capabilities, facilitating improved environmental interpretation and object distance measurements. The vision for these glasses includes creating an AI companion that can recognize and provide information about objects in real-time, with potential future applications such as printed text recognition.
Pendant and AirPods
In addition to the glasses, Apple is developing a pendant and upgraded AirPods. The pendant, designed as an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone device, will function as a constant camera and microphone for Siri interaction. The design will offer two wearing options: clipped to clothing or worn as a necklace.
This project is still in its infancy and may face cancellation, but if successful, a release could occur next year. Meanwhile, the new AirPods are expected to launch in 2026, gradually integrating AI features, including real-time translation capabilities.
Looking ahead, Apple has ambitions for augmented reality smart glasses in the long term.
Focus on AI
Despite stable iPhone sales, Apple is keen to enhance its position in the competitive AI landscape. Updating Siri has emerged as a significant focus area, having faced delays in improvements. During a staff meeting earlier this month, CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing AI devices.
As AI continues to reshape smartphone usage, Apple is exploring ways to integrate more functionality into wearable devices. While competing products from companies like Meta have gained traction, Apple is striving to carve out its niche in this evolving market. The recent launch of the high-end Vision Pro headset did not garner widespread consumer interest, prompting the company to accelerate the development of its wearables to keep users engaged within its ecosystem. Additionally, Apple is working on a range of AI products aimed at home use.
In September 2025, Apple showcased new iPhones and AirPods featuring AI capabilities, alongside updates to the Apple Watch during its annual presentation.
