Apple may develop its own wearable AI, accordingly report published Wednesday by Information. The device will be a pin that users can wear on their clothing, and will be equipped with two cameras and three microphones, the report said.
If the rumored device comes to market, it will signal that the AI hardware market is heating up. This news follows comments made Monday by OpenAI’s Head of Global Affairs Chris Lehane, who to the Davos crowd that his company will announce its first highly awaited AI hardware device in the second half of this year. Additional reports recommend that the device can be a pair of ears.
Apple’s device is described as a “thin, flat, circular disc with an aluminum-and-glass shell,” which engineers hope to make the same size as the AirTag, “just a little thicker.” The pin will also have two cameras (one with a standard lens and the other with a wide angle) for pictures and videos, as well as physical buttons, a speaker, and a FitBit-like charging strip on the back, according to the report.
Apple may be in the process of trying to speed up the development of this product to compete with OpenAI. The pin could be launched in 2027 and involve 20 million units at launch, the report noted. TechCrunch reached out to Apple for more information.
But it remains to be seen if consumers will want these AI devices. Two previous Apple alums founded Humane AIa startup that also sells AI pins. The Humane Pin also includes a built-in microphone and camera. However, it is floundered on releaseand the company had to close its operations and sold its assets to HP within two years of product launch.