Apple Reportedly Speeds Up Work on AI Wearables: Smart Glasses, AI Pin and Upgraded AirPods
by Suraj Malik - 3 days ago - 4 min read
Apple is quietly accelerating development of a new wave of AI-powered wearables, according to recent reporting. The company is said to be working on three tightly connected devices: an AI pin, smart glasses, and enhanced AirPods, all designed to plug directly into the iPhone and Siri ecosystem.
If the strategy holds, Apple appears to be building an always-on AI layer that follows users beyond the phone and into everyday accessories.
The Three AI Wearables Apple Is Exploring
Reports indicate Apple is pursuing a multi-device approach rather than betting on a single new form factor.
AI pendant or pin
One of the most intriguing concepts is an AirTag-sized wearable that can be clipped or pinned to clothing. The device is expected to include cameras and AI-driven awareness features.
The idea echoes the emerging AI pin category popularized by startups, but Apple’s version would likely lean heavily on tight integration with the iPhone and existing Apple services.
AI smart glasses (codename N50)
The centerpiece of Apple’s wearable push appears to be a pair of smart glasses internally referred to as N50.
These glasses are described as:
- More premium than the AI pin
- Equipped with a high-resolution camera
- Built with on-device AI features
- Deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem
Among the three devices, the glasses are widely viewed as the most strategically important.
AI-enhanced AirPods
Apple is also reportedly working on upgraded AirPods that layer new AI capabilities on top of their current audio and assistant features.
While details remain limited, the direction suggests Apple sees earbuds as another key surface for ambient AI interactions.
Smart Glasses Timeline: A Longer Bet
According to Bloomberg reporting cited in the coverage, Apple is targeting the start of production for the smart glasses as early as December, with a potential public release window around 2027.
That timeline shows Apple is moving deliberately rather than rushing to market. The company appears focused on delivering a polished product rather than an early experimental device.
However, the longer runway also means Apple will enter an increasingly competitive field.
How the Devices Will Work Together
A central theme of Apple’s reported strategy is tight ecosystem coordination.
All three wearables are expected to:
- Connect directly to the iPhone
- Offload heavy AI compute to the phone
- Use Siri as the primary intelligence layer
- Share context across devices
In practical terms, the iPhone would remain the brain, while the wearables act as always-available sensors and interaction points.
This approach allows Apple to deliver advanced AI features without needing full standalone compute inside each wearable.
Competitive Pressure Is Rising
Apple’s push comes as competition in AI wearables intensifies.
In smart glasses, the company will face:
- Meta, currently the most commercially successful player in consumer smart glasses
- Snap, which plans to launch its next-generation Specs later this year
Meanwhile, the AI pin category is quickly becoming crowded as both startups and major tech firms experiment with screenless AI companions.
Apple’s challenge will be entering these markets late while still delivering a clearly superior experience.
Why This Matters for Apple’s AI Strategy
Taken together, the three-device roadmap suggests Apple is thinking beyond traditional hardware categories.
The broader goal appears to be creating an ambient AI layer that is:
- Always available
- Voice- and vision-driven
- Deeply personal
- Seamlessly integrated with iPhone
If successful, this could shift how users interact with Apple Intelligence across their daily routines.
What to Watch Next
Several signals will determine how serious Apple’s wearable AI push becomes:
- Whether prototype leaks begin appearing
- How quickly Siri evolves to support agent-like behavior
- Battery and thermal performance in early hardware
- Developer tools for cross-device AI experiences
- Apple’s ability to differentiate from Meta’s early lead
The smart glasses timeline, in particular, will be closely watched.
Bottom Line
Apple is reportedly preparing a coordinated lineup of AI wearables that could extend its ecosystem far beyond the smartphone. By pairing smart glasses, an AI pin, and enhanced AirPods with the iPhone as the central hub, the company is positioning for a future where AI assistance is continuous and context-aware.
The success of the strategy will depend on timing, execution, and whether Apple can enter an increasingly crowded market with a meaningfully better experience.