Apple Tests Multiple Smart Wearable Concepts Including Glasses, Camera-Equipped AirPods, and an AI Pin

Apple’s AI Wearable Lineup: Smart Glasses, Camera AirPods & an AI Pin

Apple is developing a range of AI-powered wearable devices, including smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods, and a wearable AI pin. The devices are in various stages of development and testing, with potential release dates spanning from 2026 to 2027.

Smart Glasses (Project N50)

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is testing at least four frame styles for its upcoming smart glasses, internally code-named N50. The frames are made from acetate.

The four design styles reported in testing include:

• A large rectangular frame, similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• A slimmer rectangular frame, similar to glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook
• A larger oval or circular frame
• A smaller oval or circular option

The company has reportedly considered color options including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The design goal is to create a product that is instantly recognizable as an Apple device.

The smart glasses will not feature an in-lens display. Reports indicate the glasses will include:

• A camera system with vertically oriented oval lenses with surrounding lights
• A high-resolution camera for capturing photos and videos
• A lower-resolution wide-angle lens for hand gesture recognition and visual input
• Microphones and speakers for phone calls, notifications, and music playback
• Integration with an upgraded version of Siri, expected with iOS 27

The glasses are designed to sync with iPhones for editing, sharing, and additional functionality. They will use computer vision to interpret the user's surroundings and provide contextual information through Apple Intelligence.

Multiple reports from Gurman indicate Apple could unveil the smart glasses in late 2026 or early 2027. The planned release is expected in 2027. The product will compete with the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Gurman reported that Apple initially focused on developing a lighter version of the Vision Pro headset but began prioritizing smart glasses around October 2024. Rumors about Apple developing smart glasses have circulated since 2024.

Camera-Equipped AirPods

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's rumored AirPods with integrated cameras have reached the design validation test (DVT) stage, one step before production validation test (PVT).

• The cameras are not intended for capturing photos or video; they capture low-resolution visual information for Siri queries
• Functions include identifying ingredients for recipes and providing turn-by-turn directions
• The design is expected to resemble the AirPods Pro 3 but with longer stems to accommodate the camera technology
• A small LED light will indicate when visual data is being transmitted to the cloud
• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in July 2024 that Apple was considering adding infrared camera modules similar to those used for Face ID, intended to improve spatial audio and work with the Vision Pro

Gurman reported that Apple initially targeted a launch in the first half of 2026. The timeline slipped due to delays in an upgraded Siri. The improved Siri is now on track for September 2026, and the AirPods may launch around the same time. (The AirPods Pro 3 were announced and released in September 2025.)

Wearable AI Pin

According to The Information, Apple is reportedly developing a wearable AI pin. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also reported on a pendant-style device.

• Described as a small, thin, flat, circular disc resembling a slightly thicker AirTag
• Constructed with an aluminum and glass exterior
• Includes multiple cameras (reportedly two), offering standard and wide-angle capabilities
• Features three microphones, a speaker, and a physical button along one edge
• Wireless charging via a magnetic inductive interface, similar to the Apple Watch

The AI pin is reported to be in very early stages of development and could still be subject to cancellation. The Information reported a potential release as early as 2027.

System Integration

All three devices are designed to connect with the iPhone and will integrate Siri as a key user experience component, according to reports. The smart glasses are characterized as more upscale and feature-rich compared to the AirPods and AI pin.

Market Context

According to Counterpoint Research, the smart glasses market grew 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025 compared to 2024. Meta is currently the largest maker of smart glasses, and its AI smart glasses portfolio contributed to this growth. The research firm stated in March 2026 that the smart-glasses category is still in its early stages.

Competitive Landscape

• Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses integrate AI and are currently the leading product in the category
• OpenAI has reportedly explored an AI pin
• Google is developing its Android XR platform to integrate Gemini AI
• Samsung has introduced Galaxy XR
• Humane's AI pin faced significant challenges upon release
• Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment on these reports