If you feel that Apple is losing a little ground in the AI race, pay attention! According to the latest reports, the company is working intensively on a brand-new AI device. It is expected to be an AI pin—an assistant that you can attach to your clothing, bringing artificial intelligence into your everyday life. So, what do we know about the device so far?
Two cameras, three microphones, and continuous assistance
According to available information, at first glance the AI pin will look similar to an AirTag. Made of aluminum and glass, the device will feature two cameras (standard and wide-angle lenses), three microphones, and a speaker for voice commands. It will also have a physical button on the side and will charge similarly to an Apple Watch. According to available information, this AI assistant should provide information about its surroundings and help with everyday tasks without the need to take out a mobile phone. It will apparently also include a new Siri chatbot.
According to estimates, Apple could launch the AI Pin in 2027, but the project is still at an early stage, and it is uncertain whether it will ever go on sale.
Competitive battles
Portable AI devices are becoming a new battleground for major technology companies. The development of an AI pin is therefore Apple's response to growing competition and an effort to defend its strong position in this field. It is already working on an improved Siri with an integrated, fully fledged chatbot and is also investing in enhancements to its Apple Intelligence.
However, a major competitor is OpenAI, which is also working on AI hardware. It plans to launch it as early as this year, and Jony Ive is helping with the device's design. Ive is a former Apple designer. This move by OpenAI alone increases the pressure on Apple and the need to offer its users a device with the popular Apple ecosystem that will set it apart from the competition and put the ball back in its court. Only then can Apple avoid losing its position in this growing segment.
Questions surrounding wearable AI
How the new AI pin is received will likely depend on its capabilities and usefulness. A similar technology called the Humane AI Pin recently appeared on the market, but it failed completely. Users complained about its very poor performance, demand for the device was minimal, and the entire project ended in a fiasco.
However, other AI devices are enjoying popularity. For example, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses immediately found their fans. According to Scientific American, practical use and benefits are what really matter. Glasses are an accessory that people want or need, and integrating artificial intelligence into them can provide practical added value. They are particularly beneficial for people with visual impairments, who can use them to read menus or have their current surroundings described to them. Whether Apple's new AI device will offer this same broader impact and practical dimension remains an open question.
