Apple AI wearables push: spatial camera AirPods, AirTag-sized charm, and high-end smart glasses release detailed

The rumors that Apple is developing multiple AI-centric wearables have now been spiced up with release dates that are reportedly being pulled forward to ward off the competition.

The release of the first batch, consisting of camera-equipped AirPods, may coincide with the launch of the rumored Google Gemini-powered Siri assistant in iOS 27. They will be followed by Apple's smart glasses that are now coming in early 2027 and, eventually, a charm wearable.

Camera AirPods and AI brooch

Unlike previous mentions of the camera on the AirPods, the wireless earbuds are now pegged as a vision-centric device just like the smart brooch and the glasses. Previously, storied Apple analysts claimed that they will have IR cameras for spatial audio purposes, but the age of AI that has dawned on Apple and startled it somewhat has apparently changed any such plans.

It would be interesting to see how Apple has managed to fit a camera in something the size of an AirPod, but the report cautions that these will be low-res affairs to simply help the AI assistant be spatially aware of its surroundings instead of snapping pics all day long. They could be similar to the 6.5 MP 3D main camera system on the Vision Pro designed to record spatial photos and videos.

The charm wearable, on the other hand, is coming in the form of a pendant that can be worn on a necklace and has a clip to attach to clothes like a brooch. Despite being as small as an AirTag, it will reportedly have two cameras, again low-res, along with mics and, possibly, a speaker, serving as the eyes and ears of the iPhone in the user's pocket, which will do the AI processing.

Apple AI glasses price and release date

Apple's smart glasses will be the most advanced in terms of hardware of all the newfangled AI-centric wearables, as can be expected due to their size. Here the cameras are allegedly high-res, capable of recording videos or taking pictures, or serving computer vision purposes. They will be taking calls or voice commands, playing music, giving navigation directions, or translating on the go.

Apple will be setting its AI glasses apart by their elegant frame that has all the mics, speakers, battery, and cameras integrated and will be available in many sizes and colors to suit the user's style. It remains to be seen if they will be priced higher than Meta's similar offering in the form of the stylish Oakley AI glasses that go for $479 on Amazon and are also available in multiple shapes and colors for the fashion-conscious.

Apple has reportedly set December 2026 for the mass production start of its first AI-centric smart glasses, meaning that they could be released as soon as the first quarter of 2027.