Apple (AAPL 1.93%) might be making some big moves in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. According to Bloomberg, the company is developing some new AI smart devices that could debut in 2026. Exact details aren't known yet, but the devices could include AI smart glasses, AI-enabled AirPods with cameras, and an AI pendant that could be pinned to lapels or worn as a necklace.
Here are a few reasons this venture into AI might be more successful than Siri.
NASDAQ: AAPL
Key Data Points
Apple is known for visually appealing design
If any big technology company can launch a successful, well-designed new wearable AI device like smart glasses, Apple is it. Out of all the ideas for possible new Apple AI devices, I'm most bullish on the idea of Apple smart glasses.
That's because we know there's a market for this device. Ray-Ban Meta Platforms AI glasses have sold better than expected. Meta's partner EssilorLuxottica reported that it sold 7 million pairs of AI glasses in 2025, up from 2 million across 2023 and 2024 combined.
If Apple can design an attractive, stylish pair of glasses that also has useful AI features, this could be a worthy competitor to Ray-Ban Meta's product.
The company has a vision for AI
Apple's struggles with long-delayed AI upgrades for Siri have called into question the company's strategy for AI. But the latest news about possible new smart devices shows that Apple might have a good plan for AI after all.
Image source: Getty Images.
The company told Bloomberg that its new AI smart devices will be based on a concept Apple calls "Visual Intelligence." Someone wearing AI smart glasses, AI-enabled AirPods, or an AI pendant could use this device's sensors and computer vision to "see" and gather data and details from the real world. Use cases might include looking up information about products in a store or getting turn-by-turn directions based on real-world landmarks.
I'm more skeptical about the idea of AI-powered AirPods or an AI pendant. Many Apple customers love AirPods, but how will the AI work? Will it be effortless or clunky? As for the pendant: Do people really want another device and to wear AI around their neck? If the capabilities are good enough, maybe.
Wearables are currently not a big part of Apple's business. In the most recent quarter, Wearables, Home, and Accessories made up only 8% of the company's total net sales of $143.8 billion. And the company's revenue from this sector declined year over year. This is an area of opportunity for growth.
Apple shares are up 17% in the past six months, more than tripling the performance of the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 (up 5.5%). If Apple can launch some exciting new AI smart devices with must-have features, it could chart a new course for leadership among tech companies.
