Apple Developing AI-Powered Wearable Pin to Compete with OpenAI
Apple has begun work on an AI-powered pin that users can wear on clothing, and that captures surroundings through cameras and microphones.
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| Apple AI-Pin (concept) Generated with AI by AllBlogThings |
Tech giant aims to release the device as early as 2027 in a push to match rival OpenAI's planned hardware launch the prior year.
The pin measures about the size of an AirTag tracker, yet appears slightly thicker in prototypes. It carries a thin, flat, circular design with an aluminum and glass exterior.
Two cameras occupy the front, one with a standard lens and the other with a wide-angle lens to record photos and videos.
Three microphones detect sounds near the wearer, and a speaker handles audio output.
A button sits along one edge for controls, and the back includes a strip for wireless charging similar to the Apple Watch.
"Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin the size of an AirTag that is equipped with multiple cameras, a speaker, microphones and wireless charging, according to people with direct knowledge of the project," The Information reported.
Apple's AI-pin could be released as early as 2027, as per the rumors currently spread by trusted media outlets.
Apple has not determined an attachment method for the pin, which lacks a built-in clip or magnet so far.
The device stands alone in function but could pair with future products such as smart glasses or AirPods.
Engineers have tied the project to an upgraded Siri chatbot set for iOS 27.
Apple accelerated the timeline after OpenAI announced its own AI device for 2026, designed by former Apple executive Jony Ive.
The effort remains in early phases at Apple's Cupertino headquarters and faces possible cancellation if prototypes fail internal benchmarks.
Apple plans to produce up to 20 million units at launch if the project advances.
- Apple has not commented publicly on the development.
Prior attempts at similar wearables, including Humane's AI Pin from 2024, met limited success with sales below 10,000 units before the startup sold assets to HP for $116 million.
Apple seeks to avoid those pitfalls through integration with its existing ecosystem.
