Report says Apple is developing wearable AI pin, expected to launch in 2027

**Source**: Wall Street Insights

**By Bao Yilong**

According to a report by *The Information*, Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin device. However, the project is still in the early stages and could be easily cancelled. Similar in size to an AirTag, the device will be equipped with both standard and wide-angle cameras on its front to capture images and photos of the user’s surroundings. Apple is said to have formulated a large-scale production plan, with a target output of 20 million units.

Apple is working on an AI-driven wearable pin device.

On January 21, *The Information* cited informed sources as disclosing that Apple is developing an AI wearable pin device, though the project is still in the early stages and could be scrapped easily.

As reported, the device is similar in size to an AirTag, featuring a flat, disc-shaped design with an aluminum and glass casing. It will be fitted with two cameras—standard and wide-angle—on the front to capture images and photos of the area around the user.

The product is reportedly not scheduled for release until 2027 at the earliest. Apple has already drawn up a large-scale production plan, with a target output of 20 million units.

Previously, similar products such as the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 failed to gain traction in the market. The former discontinued its services in February 2025, while the latter has struggled with poor sales.

This is just one of Apple’s multiple projects exploring AI hardware. The company is also developing smart glasses (Apple Glass), AirPods with built-in cameras, and the Apple Ring, among other products.

## Design Details and Core Functions

*The Information* quoted insiders as saying that the design specifications of the AI pin have taken initial shape.

The device will be equipped with three microphones and one speaker, and feature a magnetic charging port on the back, similar to the charging method used for the Apple Watch.

Unlike the AirTag, this device will come with a physical button.

Engineers are striving to keep the device’s size comparable to that of an AirTag, though the thickness may differ. The camera setup is one of the device’s core functions; the combination of standard and wide-angle lenses is designed to provide users with comprehensive visual capture capabilities.

The device is expected to be powered by Apple’s Apple Intelligence technology, but specific details about its AI features have not been disclosed yet.

## Lessons from the Past and Market Challenges

Apple is not the first company to attempt an AI pin, but previous efforts have failed to meet expectations.

The Humane AI Pin, founded by former Apple executives, garnered significant attention but ultimately ended in failure. Priced at $700 with a $24 monthly subscription fee, the device stopped its services in February 2025, leaving users with a piece of useless tech hardware.

The Rabbit R1 tried to break into the market with a more affordable positioning. Despite a rocky start, it is still maintaining operations through software updates. However, the product never truly gained mainstream popularity, with sales remaining confined to a niche audience.

Notably, it has been reported that Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have built a prototype for OpenAI’s first device, which is also expected to launch in 2027.

While specific details about the device remain unknown, it is hard not to imagine it as a pair of smart glasses or some form of AI lapel pin.

## Multi-pronged Layout in AI Hardware

The AI pin is not Apple’s only bet in the wearable AI space.

According to reports, the Apple Glass smart glasses may be launched by the end of 2026, offering similar audio and camera functions. The device may further incorporate augmented reality (AR) features, which are expected to be realized in 2027.

For users who do not wear glasses, Apple is also considering launching AirPods with built-in cameras.

This headphone-style device will be equipped with the same core components as the pin, potentially relying on the iPhone for processing and delivering responses directly to the user’s ears.

The Apple Ring smart ring is also rumored to be in the works. Having been discussed for a long time, this device is seen more as a control peripheral rather than a standalone AI device.

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