Apple purportedly speeding up development of ‘Apple Glasses,’ ‘Apple Pin,’ and camera-equipped AirPods

Apple is speeding up the development of three new wearable products, including smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (a subscription is required to read the article).

Apple Glasses

Apple’s smart glasses — usually referred to as “Apple Glasses” — have been rumored for some time. The tech giant I 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 says. “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 says 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 says 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 says. “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.”

Last month The Information said the the “Apple Pin” (my proposed moniker, not theirs) will be about the size and shape of an AirTag, though a bit thicker. Other supposed features: 

° It will have an aluminum and glass shell.

° It will pack two cameras at the front: a standard lens and a wide-angle lens for capturing photos and videos.

° Three microphones will to pick up sound around the wearer. ° An included speaker will play audio.

° There will be a physical control button along one edge of the device.

° It will charge wirelessly.

The Information says it’s uncertain whether Apple plans to sell the Apple Pin — likely to arrive in 2027 — on its own or bundle it with future smart glasses or other devices.

Camera-equipped AirPods

Finally, Gurman says that Apple plans to release camera-equipped AirPods as early as this year. This adds up to previous rumor. In a June 2024 blog post, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a Medium post that Apple plans to mass-produce new AirPods with camera modules by 2026, featuring 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. 

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