Does anyone really want a wearable AI? There are reports that Apple is developing a wearable AI pin. It is expected to be released in 2027. While Apple has done a great job integrating the Apple Watch into its ecosystem, a wearable pin could be about as convenient as walking around with an Apple Vision Pro.
A report at The Information [paywalled] says the pin will be a thin aluminium disc with a pair of cameras, three microphones and a speaker. It will detect images and sounds around the wearer. Charging will be via an inductive system, like the Apple Watch.
Apple might have been seen as an AI laggard but the deal with Google to integrate Gemini into Siri has given Apple a massive boost. The deal was confirmed last week. But the move to create a wearable AI device screams of playing catch up. OpenAI’s pin is expected to arrive later this year.
The Humane Pin was the format attempt at such a product but it failed dismally. OpenAI is far better resourced and could make a good stab at creating such as device. But such a wearable would scream “Look at me – I’m wearing my AI”. It might appeal to a niche market but I can’t see it being a massive consumer success.
While there’s little doubt Apple is dabbling with such a device in its R&D department, it will be interesting to see if it actually makes it to the market.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.