Apple Is Reportedly Planning To Launch AI-Powered Glasses, a Pendant, and AirPods

Source: Slashdot

Overview

Apple is reportedly developing a suite of AI‑powered accessories—including smart glasses, a wearable pendant, and camera‑equipped AirPods—that will pair with the iPhone and use “visual context” to enable Siri to perform real‑world actions. The information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (paywalled) and is echoed by The Verge.

AI‑Powered Smart Glasses

Apple aims to start production of its smart glasses in December, targeting a 2027 launch. The device is expected to compete directly with Meta’s smart‑glasses lineup.

• Hardware: Rumored to include speakers, microphones, a high‑resolution camera for photos and video, and an additional lens dedicated to AI‑driven features.
• Display: The glasses will not have a built‑in display; instead, they will rely on visual context to trigger actions such as phone calls, Siri interactions, music playback, and contextual queries (e.g., “What are the ingredients in this dish?”).
• Use Cases: Identifying objects, referencing landmarks for directions, and providing situational reminders (e.g., prompting a task when a specific condition is met).

Design and Production

Apple plans to develop the frames in‑house rather than partnering with third‑party manufacturers like Meta’s collaborations with Ray‑Ban and Oakley. Early prototypes use a cable to connect to a battery pack and an iPhone, but newer versions are reported to have the components embedded directly in the frame, aiming for a high‑quality build and advanced camera technology. Apple is also reportedly working on a version with a built‑in display, though that launch is said to be “many years away.”

AI Pendant

In addition to the glasses, Apple is expected to introduce an AirTag‑sized AI pendant that can be worn as a necklace or a pin. The device would act as an always‑on camera for the iPhone and include a microphone for Siri activation. According to Bloomberg, the pendant will contain a built‑in chip but will primarily rely on the iPhone’s processing power. The Information first reported the concept last month, and Bloomberg suggests the pendant could arrive as early as next year.

Camera‑Equipped AirPods

Apple is also reportedly developing AirPods with an integrated camera. These AirPods would connect to the iPhone and leverage the same AI‑driven visual context to enable real‑world interactions via Siri. Further details on specifications and release timing have not been disclosed.