Apple Accelerates Development of AI Wearables: Glasses, Pendant and AirPods

Apple is intensifying its efforts in the AI wearable space, fast-tracking the development of smart glasses, an AI-powered pendant, and upgraded AirPods, all designed to integrate seamlessly with the iPhone and leverage the capabilities of Siri. This move signals Apple’s commitment to competing with rivals like Meta in the burgeoning AI and wearable technology markets.

Smart Glasses: N50 Project Gains Momentum

The company’s smart glasses project, internally codenamed N50, is receiving increased attention and resources. Bloomberg reports that Apple is already distributing wider prototypes internally and developing custom frames, with production potentially starting as early as December 2026. Dataconomy and TechCrunch corroborate this accelerated timeline.

The N50 glasses will feature an advanced camera system, including a high-resolution camera for capturing photos and videos, and a second camera dedicated to computer vision, similar to the technology found in the Apple Vision Pro. This second camera will provide visual information to Siri and interpret the user’s surroundings, measuring distance akin to the LiDAR technology used in iPhones. Apple aims to differentiate its glasses from competitors like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses with a higher-end camera system. Notably, these glasses will not include a display in the lens, relying instead on a voice-based interface for interaction with Siri.

AI Pendant: AirTag-Sized Wearable with Camera

Alongside the smart glasses, Apple is developing an AI-powered pendant, roughly the size of an AirTag. This wearable device will feature a camera and processing power comparable to AirPods. TechCrunch reports that Apple is still considering whether to include a speaker in the pendant. The pendant is designed to be worn clipped to clothing or as a necklace.

AI-Enhanced AirPods

Apple is also working on upgrading its AirPods with new AI capabilities. These AI-powered AirPods will also integrate a camera. While a specific release date hasn’t been confirmed, the camera-equipped AirPods could potentially ship as early as this year, according to MacRumors.

Siri at the Core

All three devices – the smart glasses, the AI pendant, and the upgraded AirPods – are designed to function as accessories to the iPhone and will heavily rely on Siri as a core component of the user experience. The Vision Pro team is now actively involved in the development of both the smart glasses and the AI pendant.

Looking Ahead

Apple’s push into AI wearables demonstrates a strategic shift towards integrating artificial intelligence into everyday devices. With a targeted production start for the N50 smart glasses in December 2026 and potential releases for the AI pendant and AirPods in 2027, Apple is positioning itself to be a major player in the evolving landscape of AI-powered technology. The company faces competition from established players like Meta and Snap, but its focus on seamless iPhone integration and advanced AI capabilities could give it a competitive edge.