Apple is indeed accelerating the development of three distinct AI-powered wearable devices, as reported by Bloomberg on February 17, 2026. These products are designed to move Siri and Apple Intelligence beyond the iPhone into “always-on” hardware that can see and hear the world alongside the user.
Rather than being standalone devices, these are planned as iPhone accessories that rely on the phone for heavy processing, functioning as the “eyes and ears” of your digital ecosystem.
1. Apple AI Smart Glasses (Codename: N50)
Positioned as a premium competitor to the Meta Ray-Bans, these are the flagship of the new lineup.
- Design: Lightweight frames designed entirely in-house (no partnership with Ray-Ban or Oakley) using high-end materials like acrylic for a premium feel.
- Cameras: Features a dual-camera system. One high-resolution lens for photos and video; a second sensor dedicated to computer vision for environmental context.
- Interaction: No lens display. It relies on microphones, speakers, and the overhauled Visual Intelligence Siri.+1
- Timeline: Production is targeted for December 2026, with a market launch likely in the first half of 2027.
2. Camera-Equipped AirPods
Development for these is reportedly at a more advanced stage than the glasses.
- Technology: These “Pro” level earbuds will feature tiny infrared cameras.
- Function: The cameras aren’t for taking photos; they provide Siri with visual context for in-air gesture controls, spatial awareness, and real-time assistance (e.g., identifying a plant or reading a sign).
- Timeline: Rumors suggest a high-end version of the AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras could launch as early as September/October 2026.
3. AI Pendant / Pin
This is a small, disc-shaped wearable reminiscent of the (failed) Humane AI Pin but designed as a thin aluminum-and-glass circular disc.
- Form Factor: Can be worn as a pendant around the neck or clipped to clothing.
- Hardware: Includes two cameras, a speaker, and three microphones. It lacks a display or projector.
- Purpose: Serves as a discreet, always-available Siri sensor. Some employees refer to it internally as the “eyes and ears” of the iPhone.
- Timeline: Still in earlier stages; could launch in 2027, though it remains at higher risk of being canceled compared to the glasses.
Strategic Context: Siri’s “Visual Intelligence”
The unifying thread across all three devices is a smarter version of Siri (leveraging Apple’s partnership with Google Gemini and OpenAI). By adding cameras to your ears, neck, or face, Apple aims to let you ask questions like:
- “What is the history of this building I’m looking at?”
- “Add this event on the poster to my calendar.”
- “Translate this menu into Hindi.”
