Apple is said to be preparing new wearables, including smart glasses and a pendant-style device, that put artificial intelligence (AI) features front and center.
Bloomberg reported on the 17th, citing sources, that Apple plans to release AI smart glasses next year.
The internal code name is "N50," and there is speculation that mass production could begin as early as December.
The product is designed to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. However, it is not expected to include a display. With a microphone, speaker, and camera, it will support calls, a Siri-based voice assistant, environment awareness tasks, and taking photos.
There will be two camera lenses: one for high-resolution shooting and another for distance measuring to support environment awareness. Features under discussion include helping add calendar events based on documents the user is viewing and providing navigation while driving using landmarks. Bloomberg said Apple initially considered collaborating with external eyewear brands but decided to develop its own frames.
To target users who prefer not to wear glasses, Apple is also developing a pendant-style device that attaches to clothing and AirPods with an added camera.
U.S. IT outlet The Information reported last month that Apple is developing a coin-sized "AI pin."
Apple CEO Tim Cook also hinted at new wearables, noting at an all-hands meeting earlier this month that "new categories of products and services will emerge through AI." The launch timing is undecided.