The device would take the form of a camera- and mic-equipped pin, signalling Apple’s interest in AI-first hardware
Apple is developing a small, pin-style wearable that clips onto clothing, equipped with multiple microphones and cameras, according to a new report from The Information.
If it reaches the market, it would represent Apple’s most explicit move yet toward a dedicated AI device—and separate from its other wearables, the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro.
According to the details shared, the wearable is described as a thin, flat, circular disc made of aluminium and glass, with engineers aiming to keep it roughly the size of an AirTag, albeit slightly thicker.
The pin is said to feature two cameras—one standard and one wide-angle—alongside three microphones, a speaker, a physical button, and a charging strip on the back similar to what’s found on a fitness trackers.
The design suggests a focus on always-available input and context capture, rather than screen-based interaction.
The year AI hardware is set to boom
The timing of the report is notable. It follows comments from OpenAI executives indicating that the company plans to unveil its first AI hardware product later this year, with speculation pointing to earbuds.
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Taken together, these developments underscore how major players are beginning to explore form factors designed specifically for AI assistants, rather than retrofitting AI into existing devices.
That said, the category remains unproven. Humane’s AI Pin—a product developed by former Apple employees—struggled to find an audience and was ultimately discontinued, despite similar ambitions around ambient computing and voice-driven interaction.
That failure highlights the challenge Apple would face in convincing consumers that an AI pin offers clear value beyond smartphones and smartwatches.
When could we see an Apple AI Pin?
At this stage, the Apple device remains firmly in the rumor phase, with the report suggesting a possible launch as late as 2027.
Still, the mere existence of such a project points to Apple actively experimenting with new AI-centric wearables—and keeping a close eye on rivals as the race to define post-smartphone computing continues. It’s one to keep an eye on as the year develops.
