Apple's AI wearable roadmap is getting wild: Apple Glasses, AI pendant and AirPods with cameras detailed in new report

Collage of AirPds Pro 3 (left), Apple AirTag 2 (middle) and glasses with Apple logo in lens (right)
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Tom's Guide)

Apple is doubling down on its AI efforts, and not just with its Siri 2.0 coming in 2026. As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Cupertino tech giant is working on an Apple AI pendant, the long-rumored Apple AI smart glasses, and AI AirPods that come equipped with cameras. These have been rumored, but Gurman claims that Apple is actively developing these new AI wearable products.

The AI AirPods with cameras could launch this year, and the Apple glasses could start production as soon as December with a 2027 launch. The AI pendant could also launch next year. Here's a closer look at what to expect from Apple's new lineup of AI wearables.

Apple AI Pendent

Apple AirTag 2 held in the hand.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Previously, Apple's rumored AI device had been expected to be an AI pin, not unlike the Humane AI Pin. However, Gurman suggests it could be worn like a pendant, hence an Apple AI pendant.

The AI wearable will reportedly come in the same size as the recent AirTag 2, possibly along with an aluminum flat disk and glass. With a clip, this will allow users to attach it to their clothing or bag, but reports also note there's a hole so it can be used as a necklace.

As for what's under the (likely small) hood, the AI pendant will feature a camera for visuals, a microphone for sound and a dedicated chipset — all of which will be used for users to interact with Siri via an iPhone. Notably, the cameras won't be used for taking pictures or video, but will be always-on to record the user's surroundings.

According to a leak from The Information, the pendant will come equipped with two cameras, three microphones and a small speaker, along with a physical button. This would allow for voice and gesture controls, but it isn't certain if Apple will incorporate all these components.

As Gurman states, the Apple AI pendant is looking to be the "eyes and ears" of the iPhone, so more of an accessory and less of a product that can be used by itself.

For now, there's no telling when Apple plans to release its AI pendant, or how much it will cost, as it's reportedly in the early stages of development. If its rumored smart glasses end up arriving by 2027, we could see the pendant launch soon after. And, as an accessory, fingers crossed it won't cost as much as the now-dead $699 Humane AI Pin.

Apple AI Smart Glasses

Apple Glasses render

(Image credit: Martin Hajek/iDropnews))

Apple plans to catch up with Meta's Ray-Ban and Google's Android XR in the smart glasses race, and it's looking like we'll finally see its first pair of AI specs by the end of 2026, or in 2027. Apparently, production on these glasses could begin in December 2026.

Apple's AI smart glasses are expected to be fitted with built-in speakers and cameras, depending on Siri for AI capabilities. These aren't likely to receive a display, like the Meta Ray-Ban Display specs, as these should be reserved for Apple's AR glasses predicted to arrive by 2028.

As with its other AI wearables, the specs will connect with a user's iPhone, which will handle the processing. With its built-in cameras, speakers and microphone, the glasses will be able to take and receive phone calls, snap photos and record video.

On top of that, you'll be able to play music and use Visual Intelligence to look at objects, read text and get information about them. Plus, it's expected to have live navigation and translation.

We're expected high-resolution cameras in the Apple AI smart glasses for pictures and video, along with one dedicated to Visual Intelligence. As for design, as with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Apple is tipped to deliver a range of sizes and styles, but it's uncertain what these could be.

AI AirPods with cameras

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs HRM

(Image credit: Future)

According to the report, the AirPods with cameras are real, but are at an earlier level of development compared to the AI pendant. We've been hearing rumors of these for a few years, and Apple may finally be taking the plunge to launch these AI-powered earbuds.

Again, this AI wearable will come with cameras, but will be used to record information on the user's surroundings rather than capturing photos. From previous rumors, these would be IR (infrared) cameras, offering advanced gesture controls and support for Siri.

There's still a lot to learn about these AI wearables and how they could support other Apple products, but it sounds like they will take more advantage of Apple Intelligence and Siri features.

With Apple pushing forward with its AI plans, we're now expecting to see AI-dedicated products come into the fold, and it's only a matter of time until we see if these devices are worth the wait.


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Darragh Murphy
Computing Editor

Darragh is Tom’s Guide’s Computing Editor and is fascinated by all things bizarre in tech. His work can be seen in Laptop Mag, Mashable, Android Police, Shortlist Dubai, Proton, theBit.nz, ReviewsFire and more. When he's not checking out the latest devices and all things computing, he can be found going for dreaded long runs, watching terrible shark movies and trying to find time to game

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