Apple is accelerating the development of three new wearable devices as part of its shift towards AI-based hardware. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports this, citing sources.
According to the journalist, the company has ramped up work on smart glasses, a pendant, and AirPods with enhanced AI capabilities. All three gadgets will be centered around the digital assistant Siri, which will learn to use visual context to perform tasks. The devices will feature cameras and will be integrated with the iPhone.
Smart Glasses
The smart glasses (codenamed N50) will be the most advanced product in the lineup. In recent months, the company has made progress by distributing an expanded batch of prototypes within its engineering division.
Production is expected to start in December, with a market launch planned for 2027.
The glasses will not have a display. The interface will rely on speakers, microphones, and cameras. Users will be able to make calls, interact with Siri, perform context-aware actions, listen to music, and take photos.
Apple aims to stand out in two areas: build quality and camera technology. Premium materials, such as acrylic elements, will be used to create a high-end feel.
The glasses will be equipped with two cameras. The first will have high resolution for photography, while the second will be for computer vision. This sensor will help the device better interpret the environment and measure distances between objects.
Apple's goal is to create an AI companion that can understand in real-time what the user sees. For instance, a person could look at an object and ask for information about it.
More advanced scenarios, such as printed text recognition, are also being explored.
Pendant and AirPods
As an alternative to the glasses, Apple is preparing a pendant and headphones. The pendant is intended as an accessory for the iPhone rather than a standalone product. It will serve as a constantly active camera for the smartphone and will also include a microphone for interacting with Siri.
The company is developing two main ways to wear the pendant: clipped to clothing or as a necklace.
The project is still in its early stages and may be canceled. If it continues to develop, the device could be released next year.
The release of the AirPods is planned for 2026. The company is gradually adding AI features to the device, including real-time translation.
In the longer term, Apple plans to create smart glasses with augmented reality displays.
Betting on AI
Despite stable iPhone sales, Apple is eager to catch up with competitors in the AI sector. Updating Siri has become one of its key challenges, with improvements to the voice assistant being postponed multiple times.
At a staff meeting earlier this month, CEO Tim Cook expressed the company's intention to develop AI devices.
In the future, AI is expected to change the conventional use of smartphones, shifting more functions to peripheral gadgets. Meta's glasses have already gained popularity, and OpenAI is working on its own line of devices.
Apple is trying to find its place in this new arena. Its recent release of the expensive Vision Pro headset did not receive a wide consumer response. Now, the company is counting on a breakthrough through the accelerated development of wearable devices, aiming to keep users within its ecosystem.
The Cupertino-based company is also developing a line of AI products for the home.
In September 2025, Apple held its annual presentation, unveiling new iPhones and AirPods with AI features, as well as the Apple Watch.