Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per report
Source: 9to5Mac
According to a new report from **Bloomberg**, Apple is “accelerating” its development of three new wearable products:
- **Smart glasses** – built around the Siri digital assistant.
- **AI pendant** – also integrated with Siri.
- **Camera‑equipped AirPods** – designed for the AI era.
The report says these products are being “built around the Siri digital assistant.”
[Read the full article on Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/apple-ramps-up-work-on-glasses-pendant-and-camera-airpods-for-ai-era?srnd=undefined)AI Pin, Glasses, and AirPods with Cameras
Apple is reportedly making significant progress on a suite of AI‑enabled wearables: smart glasses, an AI‑powered pendant (the “AI Pin”), and camera‑equipped AirPods. Below is a concise, well‑structured overview of the latest information.
Smart Glasses
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera system | Two lenses: |
| • High‑resolution lens for photos & video. | |
| • Computer‑vision lens that provides environmental context (e.g., Visual Intelligence‑style analysis). | |
| Display | None – the glasses rely on speakers, microphones, and the cameras for interaction. |
| AI capabilities | Real‑time understanding of what the user sees and does, enabling: |
| • Enhanced navigation in Apple Maps. | |
| • Seamless Reminders integration. | |
| • General “all‑day AI companion” functionality. | |
| Design | • Early prototypes used a cable‑connected battery pack and an iPhone. |
| • Newer versions embed the battery and processing components inside the frame. | |
| • Premium materials (e.g., acrylic elements) give a high‑end feel. | |
| • Apple is developing its own frames in multiple sizes and colors; external partnerships were explored but ultimately rejected. | |
| Future plans | Apple may release additional styles over time, but the product is still in an early stage. |
“The goal is for the glasses to function as an all‑day AI companion, capable of understanding what a user is seeing and doing in real time.” – Mark Gurman, Bloomberg
AI Pin (Wearable Pendant)
- Form factor: Thin, flat, circular disc (≈ AirTag size) with an aluminum‑and‑glass shell.
- Hardware: Two cameras, a speaker, and three microphones.
- Function: Acts as an always‑on “eyes and ears” for the iPhone, handling camera capture and Siri voice input.
- Connectivity: Relies heavily on the iPhone for processing (unlike the standalone Humane AI Pin).
- Mounting options: Clip‑on to clothing or worn as a necklace.
- Design debate: Whether to include a speaker for direct two‑way conversation (which would let users leave the iPhone and AirPods in a pocket).
“The pendant would essentially serve as an always‑on camera for the smartphone that also includes a microphone for Siri input.” – Bloomberg
Status: Early‑stage prototype; could be canceled, but a launch as early as next year is possible if Apple proceeds.
Camera‑Equipped AirPods
- Concept: AirPods with built‑in cameras, potentially launching as early as this year.
- Purpose: Provide hands‑free visual capture and AI‑driven assistance, complementing the glasses and AI Pin.
Sources
- The Information – Apple’s AI‑powered wearable pin
- Bloomberg – Apple ramps up work on glasses, pendant, and camera AirPods for AI era
All information reflects the latest reporting as of February 2026 and is subject to change as Apple’s projects evolve.
9to5Mac’s Take
I’m glad Apple is ramping up its work on these products, particularly the Meta‑Ray‑Ban‑style smart glasses. I think this is a very fun form factor—just for photo and video capture alone—and Apple excels at camera technology in general. Sprinkle in some basic AI interactivity and contextual awareness, and I could see these glasses being very useful.
The AI pendant I’m less convinced of as a product category. My opinion might change after seeing Apple demonstrate some real‑world use cases, but right now my instinct is that it feels like a solution in search of a problem.
Of course, all of this hinges on next‑generation Siri, which continues to face delays. Ideally, we don’t end up in another situation where the hardware is ready but we’re waiting on the software. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced of that just yet.
Best iPhone 17 accessories
- Official Apple Silicone and TechWoven cases
- Apple Crossbody Strap
- Beats iPhone 17 cases with built‑in kickstand
- Anker Nano multi‑port USB‑C charger
- Mujjo Leather Cases for iPhone 17
- USB‑C cable with built‑in LED display
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