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Apple Developing Smart Glasses, AirPods with Cameras, and AI Wearable Pendant; Smart Glasses Launch Delayed to Late 2027

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Apple's AI Wearable Lineup: Glasses, Camera AirPods, and an AI Pendant

Apple is developing a range of AI-powered wearable devices, including smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods, and a wearable AI pendant, according to multiple reports. The company's most advanced project, the smart glasses, has faced development delays and is now planned for release in late 2027.

Smart Glasses (Code-Named N50)

Development Timeline

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has delayed the launch of its first smart glasses to late 2027. The product was previously expected to be announced in 2026 or early 2027. Gurman reports that development challenges caused the delay. Apple may preview the glasses at the end of this year or early next year, with shipments beginning by the end of 2027.

Leadership and Priority

According to Gurman's sources, outgoing CEO Tim Cook views the glasses as a key priority before John Ternus is expected to assume the role of CEO on September 1. Ternus has reportedly led product development for two years.

"Tim Cook views the glasses as a key priority before the CEO transition."

Design and Frame Styles

Gurman reports that Apple is testing at least four frame designs, all made from acetate:

  • A large rectangular frame, similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers
  • A slimmer rectangular design, similar to glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook
  • A larger oval or circular frame
  • A smaller oval or circular option

The company is considering multiple color options, including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The goal for the frames is to have an instantly recognized Apple design, referred to internally as the "icon."

Camera System

Sources indicate the glasses will feature a camera setup with vertically oriented oval lenses and surrounding lights. The system will include:

  • A high-resolution camera for capturing photos and videos
  • A lower-resolution wide-angle lens for hand gesture recognition and visual input for Siri

Features and Functionality

The first version of the glasses will not have an in-lens display, LiDAR, or 3D cameras, reportedly due to battery life constraints. The glasses are expected to compete with products like Meta Ray-Bans, which also lack display capabilities. Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

Reported features include:

  • Photo and video capture
  • Phone call answering
  • Music playback
  • Interaction with an upgraded Siri via integrated microphones and speakers
  • Turn-by-turn walking directions
  • Syncing with iPhone for editing, sharing, and notifications

AI Integration

The glasses will use computer vision to interpret the user's surroundings and provide contextual awareness to Apple Intelligence. The release may coincide with an upgraded Siri expected with iOS 27. Apple's AI-powered Siri upgrade was demonstrated at WWDC 2024.

Market Context

According to Counterpoint Research, the smart glasses market grew 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025 compared to 2024. Meta is currently the largest maker of smart glasses, and its AI smart glasses portfolio contributed to this growth. The smart glasses category is still in its early stages, according to research released in March.

Pricing

The glasses are expected to compete in the $200 to $500 price range in the U.S. market, according to Gurman.

Long-Term Plans

Gurman reports that Apple believes the glasses could eventually evolve into a health device and incorporate augmented reality technologies, but this is likely years away.

AirPods with Cameras

Development Status

Apple is developing AirPods with integrated cameras, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device has reached the design validation test (DVT) stage, one step before production validation test (PVT). Apple testers are currently using prototypes.

Design

The design is expected to resemble the AirPods Pro 3 but with longer stems to accommodate the camera technology. A small LED light will indicate when visual data is being transmitted to the cloud. The AirPods Pro 3 were announced and released in September 2025.

Camera Functionality

The cameras are not intended for capturing photos or video. They capture low-resolution visual information for AI queries, such as:

  • Identifying ingredients for recipes
  • Providing turn-by-turn directions
  • Supporting hand gesture recognition
  • Environmental awareness for Apple Intelligence

Timeline

Gurman reported that Apple initially aimed to launch the camera-equipped AirPods in the first half of 2026, but the timeline slipped due to delays in an upgraded Siri. The improved Siri is now on track for September 2026, and the AirPods may launch around the same time.

Rumors from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in July 2024 suggested Apple was considering adding infrared camera modules to AirPods for improved spatial audio and integration with spatial computing devices like the Vision Pro. Kuo's report indicated a mass-production timeline of 2026.

Wearable AI Pendant

Development

Apple is reportedly developing a wearable AI pin, according to reports from The Information. The device is described as a small, thin, flat, circular disc with an aluminum and glass exterior, resembling a slightly thicker AirTag.

Specifications

The reported specifications include:

  • Multiple cameras (standard and wide-angle for capturing photos and videos)
  • A speaker
  • Microphones (reported as three)
  • Wireless charging via a magnetic inductive interface similar to the Apple Watch
  • A physical button along one edge

Timeline

The AI pin is reportedly in its very early stages and could still be subject to cancellation. However, The Information suggests a potential release as early as 2027, with Apple planning to produce approximately 20 million units for the initial launch.

Context

This development follows the release of other AI wearables from competitors. Humane's AI pin faced significant challenges upon release. OpenAI has explored an unreleased AI pin, and Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have been more successful. Concerns regarding privacy and public use of camera-equipped devices have been noted, with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses facing restrictions in various venues.

Siri Upgrades

Bloomberg has indicated that Apple plans to overhaul Siri, transforming it into a ChatGPT-style chatbot. This aligns with reports that Google's Gemini AI will power Siri's artificial intelligence capabilities. These initiatives suggest Apple's increased focus on generative AI technologies. All the wearable devices are designed to connect with the iPhone and will integrate Siri as a key user experience component.

System Integration

All mentioned devices—smart glasses, AirPods, and the AI pendant—are designed to connect with the iPhone and will integrate Siri as a key user experience component. The smart glasses are characterized as more upscale and feature-rich compared to the AirPods and AI pendant.