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Apple is reportedly working on a wearable AI-powered device shaped like a pin that could operate independently of an iPhone amd other Apple product. The device is approximately the size of an AirTag, thin, flat, and circular in shape like a disc. The wearable AI pin supports wireless charging and contains multiple cameras, microphones, and a speaker.
In details, the proposed Apple AI pin could include the following hardware features:
- Similar in size to an Apple AirTag, though a little bit thicker.
- Exterior built from aluminium and glass, which is very much consistent with Apple’s design language.
- Magnetic inductive charging interface, similar to the Apple Watch's charging mechanism.
- Two front-facing cameras (one standard and one wide-angle) for capturing photos and maybe video or contextual visual information.
- Three microphones for recording audio in the environment.
- A speaker for audio responses or alerts.
- A physical button on the edge for direct interaction.
- Wireless charging via an inductive mechanism like the Apple Watch.
Apple is reportedly trying to make the AI pin contextually aware. This means that it could recognize surroundings, use voice processing for commands and replies, and potentially assist users with their tasks beyond standard interactions. However, aside that it's being tied to Apple Intelligence and Siri improvements, specific software that'll power the device is uncertain.
Siri could be at the centre of the AI pin
This wearable AI pin may run Apple’s next-generation Siri/AI services in real time. I'm saying this because this report is in line with Bloomberg's claim that Apple will improve and redesigned Siri to be a ChatGPT-style chatbot, allow users to have more natural conversations and get more detailed responses, instead of the basic voice commands Siri is known for today.
Even Apple confirmed it in an announcement that Google’s Gemini will help power Siri’s AI features. But with this wearable AI pin, it becomes clear that Apple is taking generative AI more seriously. Rather than making small updates, the company now appears to be laying out a clearer strategy to compete in the fast-growing AI space dominated by tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.
However, it's worth noting that the wearable AI pin is still at a very early development stage and could still be canceled if it does not meet Apple’s standards or long-term plans. Apple is known for experimenting with many ideas internally, and not all of them make it to market. Notably, Apple’s stock (AAPL) jumped on the news, as investors reacted positively to reports of the company’s expanding AI strategy.
Privacy concerns that emerged
According to The Information, the publication that first reported the development, Apple may target a launch as early as 2027, and the company appears confident in the product’s potentia. In fact, the report estimated that Apple plans to manufacture about 20 million units right from the start. As good as it is, questions have been raised about how the company would explain and justify the product to the public, especially around trust and data protection.
Apple has long promoted itself as a company that puts user privacy first, which makes the idea of a wearable AI pin particularly sensitive because it could be seen as a discreet recording device. Notably, the company already allows controversial apps on the App Store, including the Grok app, which has been accused of serious privacy violations despite the company app store’s stated rules.
