Apple is working on a compact AI-powered wearable device roughly the size of an AirTag. The device could reach the market as early as 2027 if development continues successfully. This was reported by MacRumors, citing sources familiar with the project.

Design and Ways of Wearing

According to preliminary information, the new device will take the form of a thin, circular disc made of glass and aluminum, featuring a physical control button on the body. It will be slightly thicker than the AirTag due to its built-in electronics. The gadget can be worn in multiple ways: attached to clothing or a bag with a clip, or worn around the neck as a pendant, with a dedicated opening in the корпус for this purpose.

Charging is expected to be wireless, similar to the Apple Watch.

Cameras, Microphones, and Siri Integration

The device is expected to include a camera (or possibly two—a standard and a wide-angle lens), although its exact purpose is still under discussion. One version suggests the sensor will be low-quality and used solely for continuous environmental analysis without the ability to capture photos or videos. Another suggests the cameras will allow for photography and recording.

The gadget will also feature microphones for interaction with a voice assistant. Whether it will include a speaker remains unclear, as some reports mention it while others do not.

The device will not function independently. Most processing will be handled by the iPhone, with the wearable acting as its “eyes and ears.” It is expected to be closely integrated with an updated version of Siri, which may be introduced alongside iOS 27. The improved assistant is expected to approach the capabilities of modern chatbots from OpenAI, Google, and others, including the use of Gemini technologies as part of a partnership between Apple and Google.

Early Stage of Development

The project is still in its early stages, and Apple could cancel it at any time. If development proceeds successfully, the release of the miniature AI device is unlikely before 2027.

This direction fits into the company’s broader strategy of developing AI-powered wearables: in addition to this “badge-like” device, Apple is also working on smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods. All of these are expected to function in tandem with a smartphone and an advanced version of Siri.

In Brief

Apple is testing a compact AI wearable in the form of a thin circular disc the size of an AirTag. The device can be clipped to clothing or worn around the neck, charged wirelessly, and used as the “eyes and ears” of an iPhone. It is expected to feature a camera (possibly two), microphones, and deep integration with an updated version of Siri. A release is possible in 2027, although the project could still be canceled at an early stage. The device is intended to expand Apple Intelligence beyond the smartphone.