Apple Reportedly Developing an AI Wearable Pin for 2027

Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin that could be released as early as 2027. As reported by The Information, the device is in its very early stages but signals Apple's intent to compete directly with OpenAI and Meta in the nascent AI hardware market. The thing is, we've seen this movie before, and it didn't end well for the last guys.

What is the Apple AI pin?

According to the report, the device is a thin, circular disc roughly the size of an AirTag, but slightly thicker. It's said to have an aluminum-and-glass shell, packing a surprising amount of hardware into a small package. The pin reportedly features two cameras—one standard and one wide-angle—along with three microphones to capture a user's surroundings.

For interaction, it includes a small speaker and a physical button. Charging is handled by a magnetic inductive interface, similar to the Apple Watch. It's unclear if the device will require an iPhone to function or operate more independently. Given its size, it will likely need accessories for attachment, just like an AirTag.

A difficult and crowded market

Apple is not entering an empty field. Meta is already selling smart glasses with an AI assistant, and Google is planning a similar device with Samsung. OpenAI is also reportedly developing a range of AI hardware, from pins to glasses. This is Apple playing catch-up in a category that has yet to find a winner.

The most direct comparison is to the Humane AI Pin, a device from former Apple employees that launched in 2024 to poor reviews. It was criticised for being slow, having terrible battery life, and ultimately selling fewer than 10,000 units. Apple has the advantage of a massive ecosystem, but it will need to solve the fundamental problems Humane could not.

Part of a broader AI push

This wearable pin is just one piece of Apple's larger AI strategy. The company is reportedly working on AI-enhanced AirPods, smart glasses, and other home devices. The success of any of these products depends heavily on the quality of its software, specifically Siri.

Apple has been working to improve its voice assistant after falling behind competitors. The recent Apple partnership with Google to use its AI models for Apple Intelligence shows the company is willing to look for outside help. For this pin to be anything more than a glorified camera, Siri will need a serious upgrade.

Apple AI pin release date and price

The project is in its early stages, so details are subject to change. According to the report, Apple is targeting a release as early as 2027. There is currently no information on what the Apple AI wearable pin might cost in the UAE or globally. The project's future is not guaranteed and could still be cancelled.

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