[News] Apple Reportedly Eyes 2027 AirTag-Sized AI Wearable Launch to Compete With OpenAI

Apple is reportedly working on a new wearable device. According to 9to5Mac, citing The Information, sources say Apple is developing an AI wearable roughly the size of an AirTag, with a possible launch as early as 2027. However, the report cautions that development remains at a very early stage and the project could still be scrapped.

The Information adds that Apple may be accelerating its development efforts as it seeks to compete with OpenAI’s first wearable, which is expected to debut in 2026.

On the design front, The Information describes the device as an AI pin, noting that it takes the form of a slim, flat, circular disc with an aluminum-and-glass enclosure, and features two front-facing cameras designed to capture photos and videos of the user’s surroundings.

The device is also said to be equipped with three microphones to capture ambient sound, along with a built-in speaker. It further features a physical button on one edge and a magnetic inductive charging interface on the back, similar to that used in the Apple Watch. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether the wearable would function alongside other Apple devices, including AirPods or the company’s reportedly forthcoming smart glasses, The Information adds.

Uncertain Adoption and Strategic Context

Still, it remains to be seen whether the rumored product would gain traction. The Information cautions that the commercial outlook for an Apple pin is uncertain, and notes that Humane, a startup founded by two former Apple employees, failed to gain momentum with its own AI wearable pin in 2024, selling fewer than 10,000 units. Humane’s pin projected an interface onto the user’s palm using a small projector, but drew criticism for slow response times when answering questions, as well as poor battery life, the report adds

Notably, the purported development of the new wearable comes as Apple once again revamps its AI strategy. As the report notes, the company has recently announced a partnership with Google to use Gemini as the foundation for a revamped Siri, along with other Apple Intelligence–related features.

If the device does make it to market, the AI pin is expected to run Apple’s new Siri chatbot, which the company plans to debut with iOS 27, according to MacRumors.

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