Apple Plans AI Pendant, Smart AirPods in Major Wearables Expansion

"The three devices are smart glasses, a pin-like pendant, and AI-embedded AirPods. Apple has reportedly accelerated development after seeing the success of Meta's smart glasses and amid rumours of an AI device from OpenAI. This news was first reported by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who sees the push as a way for Apple to reclaim some ground in the AI race."

"Apple plans to make the new version of Siri, set to launch at WWDC 2026 in June, central to how these devices operate. Apple has reportedly tapped Google's Gemini model as the backbone of the relaunched Siri, which would function as both a voice assistant and a text-based chatbot. Apple has faced criticism from investors for playing catch-up in the AI market. The launch of several AI-embedded devices could ease some of that pressure, especially if the upgraded Siri is well-received by customers."

"Apple's twist is that it is developing its own lenses and frames rather than relying on third parties. Meta works with EssilorLuxottica to develop lenses for its glasses, while Oakley and Ray-Ban supply frames. Apple believes its hardware expertise will give it an advantage over Meta. The company plans to use high-end materials and include two camera lenses: one for high-resolution images and another dedicated to computer vision, enabling Siri to interpret the wearer's surroundings."

Apple plans a major expansion in the wearables market with three AI-centered devices: smart glasses, a pin-like pendant, and AI-embedded AirPods. The company accelerated development after Meta's smart-glasses success and OpenAI device rumours. A relaunched Siri, planned for WWDC 2026, will serve as central interface and will use Google's Gemini as its backbone, functioning as voice assistant and text chatbot. Investor criticism over lagging in AI motivated the push. The smart glasses will use Apple-designed lenses and frames, high-end materials, and dual camera lenses for high-resolution images and computer vision, targeting a 2027 release.

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