Apple is working on a new lineup of AI-powered wearable devices, including smart glasses, a pendant-style device, and a new version of AirPods, according to reporting by Bloomberg. The products are still in development but reflect Apple’s growing focus on AI hardware beyond the smartphone.
According to the report, all three devices would be linked to the Apple iPhone and built around Siri, the company’s voice assistant. Each product would also rely on a camera system to support AI features, though not necessarily for photography. Report states the cameras would be used primarily to gather contextual information that could enhance AI-driven interactions.
The most unusual device described is a version of AirPods equipped with cameras. While several companies have released smart glasses and AI pendants that rely on onboard cameras, wireless earbuds with cameras would represent a new direction for consumer hardware. Gurman reported that Apple does not plan to use the cameras for capturing photos or videos but instead to support AI functions such as environmental awareness.
Internal Push Toward AI Devices
It was also reported that Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook recently told employees that the company will place a major emphasis on AI-focused devices. That internal messaging suggests Apple sees dedicated AI hardware as a strategic priority, even as many early AI wearables have struggled to gain traction with consumers.
Among the three devices, smart glasses appear to be the most advanced in development. As per the report, Apple is working on a high-end pair of glasses with a built-in display and camera system. Internally, the project is reportedly known as N50. The product has been the subject of rumors since early last year, but the new report offers clearer details about its positioning and potential timeline.
The glasses would compete in a market that has recently shown signs of renewed momentum. Sales of smart glasses from Meta reportedly tripled in 2025, according to Bloomberg. Other major technology companies, including Google, Samsung, and OpenAI, are also exploring AI wearables or smart glasses as advances in generative AI improve device capabilities.
Timing Remains Uncertain
Despite Apple’s internal focus, it remains unclear when or if the new devices will reach consumers. Market research firm Omdi has predicted that Apple smart glasses will not arrive until 2028. However, Bloomberg reporting contradicts that forecast, saying Apple could move the glasses into production as early as this year, with a potential launch in 2027.
The report underscores a broader industry shift toward AI-first hardware, where devices are designed less around traditional apps and more around real-time assistance. For Apple, the effort represents a test of whether its tightly integrated ecosystem can support new form factors that rely on AI as a core feature rather than an add-on.
