In a video interview on TBPN, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said, “There are six major Apple products in development right now, six major new product categories.”
They are: AI AirPods, smart glasses, a pendant, a smart display, a tabletop robot, and a security camera. (The Sellers Research Group — that’s me — is skeptical about the pendant.)
Camera-equipped AirPods
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a Medium post that Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules. They’ll purportedly feature an IR camera similar to the iPhone Face ID receiver (not the transmitter).
“The new AirPods is expected to be used with Vision Pro and future Apple headsets to enhance the user experience of spatial audio and strengthen the spatial computing ecosystem,” he says. “For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience.
Kuo thinks the IR camera will be able to detect environmental image changes, potentially enabling in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction.
Apple Glasses
Apple’s smart glasses — usually referred to as “Apple Glasses” — have been rumored for some time. The tech giant is expected to preview them, if not ship them, by year’s end.
“Early prototypes of the glasses connect via a cable to a standalone battery pack and an iPhone, but newer versions have the components embedded in the frame,” Gurman has previously said. “The design uses high-end materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel. Apple is already discussing launching the device in additional styles over time.”
He thinks the smart glasses will pack a high-resolution camera for photo and video capture. Apple’s prototypes have two camera lenses: one for high-resolution images and videos, and another for “computer vision” that will “give the device environmental context,” Gurman says.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously predicted that Apple will ship 3-5 million units or more of the device. He says core features will include audio playback, camera, video recording, and AI environmental sensing. Kue also thinks that Apple will offer multiple material options for frames and temples, with Apple actively testing 3D printing technology for production.
Apple Pin
As for the pendant device, Gurman has previously said it will reminiscent of the failed Humane AI pin,” but with several key differences. For instance, it won’t have a display or projector system. It will purportedly be worn with a clip attached to clothing or as a necklace.
“The pendant would essentially serve as an always-on camera for the smartphone that also includes a microphone for Siri input,” Gurman said. “Some Apple employees call it the ‘eyes and ears’ of the phone. One area of debate for the product has been whether or not to include a speaker, which would allow users to hold back-and-forth conversations with the device directly. That means they could leave their iPhone in their pocket or bag or not wear AirPods.”
Smart display
The smart display Gurman mentioned is probably the rumored “HomePad.” It’s expected to have a speaker (of course), a 7-inch display, an operating system that currently goes by the codename “Charismatic.”
Here’s what a September 2024 report from 9to5Mac said about the smart home hub:
° The device will be powered by an A18 processor.
° It will have a squarish display rather than an iPad-ish rectangular design.
° It will have a built-in camera that works for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps.
° The device will use the camera to identify hand gestures from a distance.
Tabletop robot
Last August Gurman said thatApple plans to roll out a tabletop robot in 2027 with a 7-inch screen on a movable arm.
“The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes,” he said. “It’s also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done — similar to OpenAI’s voice mode.”
The “Apple Bot” (my moniker, not Gurman’s or Apple’s) will be designed to support FaceTime calls and sport a Center Stage-like feature for moving around to follow folks in a room, he says. Gurman adds that users may be able to control the robot with a joystick.
Apple Security Camera and doorbell
Gurman has said that Apple is working on both a security camera and a doorbell. The latter may feature advanced facial recognition that wirelessly connects to a deadbolt lock. The idea is that the doorbell could automatically unlock the door for a home’s residents by scanning their face — just like Face ID lets them into their iPhone.
Apple is also rumored to be working on a new Apple TV set-top box and new HomePods. In addition to all these gadgets are, of course, upcoming updates of Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
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