Reports suggest Apple is developing a new generation of AI-based hardware. According to a senior journalist, the Cupertino-based company is working on several artificial intelligence (AI) devices, including smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods, and a wearable pendant. Apple is said to be experimenting with new product form factors that go beyond the iPhone and Vision Pro. Although the company has not officially confirmed the plans, early prototypes are reportedly undergoing internal testing.
Smart glasses could be the first step
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s AI lineup may begin with lightweight smart glasses. The company is designing them to support certain iPhone features and potentially replace some functions in the future. Unlike the expensive Vision Pro headset, which mainly targets developers, these glasses are expected to appeal to everyday consumers.
Internally codenamed “N50,” the glasses will not function as standalone devices. Instead, they will connect wirelessly to an iPhone, which will handle heavy processing while the glasses manage data capture and lighter tasks.
Early prototypes reportedly include cameras and microphones that send environmental data to Apple’s AI systems. This could enable object recognition, contextual suggestions, and real-time assistance.
Camera-equipped AirPods also in development
In addition to smart glasses, Apple is also developing AirPods that may feature outward-facing cameras. These earbuds would collect visual information about the user’s surroundings and integrate it with Apple’s AI models to improve spatial awareness and context-based interactions.
According to the report, this could enable gesture controls, better environmental recognition, and more proactive Siri responses. Earlier leaks also indicated that future AirPods Pro models may be able to “see” the user’s environment while keeping a price similar to the current version.
AI pendant may act as a digital companion
Another experimental device under development is a wearable AI pendant. Designed to be worn around the neck, it would include cameras and sensors capable of continuously analyzing the user’s environment.
Like other AI-first wearables, the pendant would rely on both on-device processing and cloud-based AI. It could provide real-time insights and assistance, effectively working as a personal digital companion.
Part of a long-term strategy
The report suggests these projects form part of Apple’s long-term strategy. The company aims to reduce reliance on the iPhone and introduce new categories of AI-powered devices. None of the products has been officially announced so far, but more details may emerge in the coming years.
