Apple Reportedly Working on All-New AirTag-Sized Wearable With iPhone Integration
Apple's Future Gadgets: Cameras on Your Clothing and Smart Glasses on the Way
Apple is actively developing a new "pendant with cameras" that could be released as early as next year. This news comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-known reporter for Apple news.
In a recent report, Gurman explained that this new wearable accessory is still in development, lagging behind another project: AirPods with built-in cameras. The camera-equipped AirPods have already reached an advanced testing stage, meaning they are much closer to being ready for release.
Besides these camera-focused devices, Apple is also continuing its work on smart glasses, according to Gurman's report.
While the recent report mainly focused on the AirPods with cameras, it didn't share many new details about the pendant or the smart glasses. However, Gurman has previously revealed a lot about these two products, and we'll recap those details below.
The Apple Pendant: A Smart Accessory for Your Clothing
Gurman has previously described the Apple pendant as an "AirTag-sized" device. This means it would be small, similar in size to Apple's current AirTag tracking device. He noted that it might remind people of the Humane AI Pin, which did not succeed in the market. However, there's a key difference: Apple's pendant would work as an accessory for your iPhone, not as a standalone product that tries to replace your phone.
Humane AI PinThe pendant is expected to have an "always-on" camera and a microphone. The microphone would allow you to give voice commands to Siri, Apple's virtual assistant. However, it would not have a screen or a laser projector, unlike some other experimental devices. While the pendant would have its own computer chip, its power would be limited. This means it would heavily rely on a connected iPhone to do most of its heavy thinking and processing.
Apple is still deciding whether to include a speaker in the pendant, which could be used for audio feedback or notifications.
This new device would be designed to attach easily to your clothing, perhaps with a clip. Alternatively, you could thread a cord or chain through a hole in the device and wear it as a necklace, making it a flexible wearable gadget.
The idea of an "AI pin" or pendant from Apple was first reported in January by Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu from The Information. They stated that this project is still in its early stages within Apple. Both reports suggest that the device could launch as early as 2027, but there's also a chance that Apple might decide to cancel the project altogether if it doesn't meet their expectations or goals.
It's likely that this pendant would work closely with some of the major improvements expected for Siri in iOS 27, making it a powerful tool for hands-free interaction and information gathering.
Apple's Smart Glasses: More Than Just Fashion
Moving on to smart glasses, Gurman stated that Apple plans to show them off in late 2026 or early 2027. However, the actual release to customers wouldn't happen until the following year, regardless of the announcement date.
Similar to the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, Gurman expects Apple's glasses to feature built-in cameras. These cameras would allow users to easily take photos and videos of what they see. He also believes the glasses will include speakers and microphones. This would enable users to listen to music, make phone calls, and receive notifications spoken by Siri, all without needing to pull out their iPhone.
Apple seems to be focusing on two main aspects for its smart glasses: tight integration with the iPhone and a high-quality design. This means the glasses would work seamlessly with your existing Apple ecosystem.
While specific details about the iPhone integration were not extensively shared, Gurman anticipates that the cameras on the glasses will be able to send data directly to Siri and Apple Intelligence. This capability could greatly enhance features like turn-by-turn walking directions, providing real-time visual information to guide you.
Design and Style of Apple's Smart Glasses
When it comes to how the glasses will look and feel, Gurman mentioned that Apple is designing its own plastic frames. The company is reportedly testing at least four different potential designs:
- A larger rectangular frame, which would look similar to the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
- A slimmer rectangular design, much like the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
- Larger oval or circular frames, offering a different aesthetic.
- Smaller oval or circular frames, for those who prefer a more subtle look.
Apple is also looking into a variety of color options, including black, a vibrant ocean blue, and a warm light brown. Gurman added that the cameras on the glasses might have a unique design, appearing as vertically-oriented oval lenses.
It's interesting to note that other companies are taking different approaches to smart glasses. Meta uses frames from the popular brand Ray-Ban, which is owned by the Italian company EssilorLuxottica. Meanwhile, Google and Samsung are reportedly working on their own smart glasses in partnership with the American eyewear company Warby Parker, known for its stylish and affordable glasses.
Unlike the latest Meta Ray-Bans, Gurman does not expect Apple's first smart glasses to include an augmented reality (AR) display directly in the lenses. This means they likely won't project digital information onto your view of the real world, at least not in this initial version.
This article, "Apple Reportedly Working on All-New AirTag-Sized Wearable With iPhone Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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