In the face of competition from Open AI and Meta, Apple is said to be redoubling its efforts to get a wearable pendant and camera-equipped AirPods right.

In a bid to follow the AI marketplace trends, Apple is rumored to be working on a number of new products that take advantage of artificial intelligence. If a Tuesday report on the topic is correct, Apple is keen to make them a reality.

According to Bloomberg, Apple held an all-hands meeting earlier in February. During that meeting, CEO Tim Cook said that Apple was working to push hard on AI devices, and that the company is "extremely excited" about the new categories of products.

These new categories are beyond the usual expectations of smart glasses, as they include two items that have been previously brought up before. A pendant and camera-equipped AirPods.

Apple Intelligence Pendant

The pendant may not have been referred to it in that way before, but it seems to be a reworking of the previously rumored wearable AI pin from January. This time, Mark Gurman describes it as a "pendant" that can be pinned onto a garment or worn like a necklace.

Allegedly an idea that predates the often rumored Apple Glass smart glasses, it's an idea reminiscent of the Humane AI pin. However, it would be more an extension accessory for the iPhone, which would provide an always-on camera and microphone for Siri and Apple Intelligence to access.

The pendant won't handle actual processing. That will still be an iPhone task.

The Industrial Design Team is leading work on the product, but with input from the Vision Products Group over its engineering. There's still debate over whether to include a speaker, which could allow two-way conversations with Siri without taking out the iPhone or using AirPods.

Despite the extra work, the project is still in its early stages, and may not ever see the light of day. If progress is made, it could potentially launch as early as 2027.

AirPods with Cameras

The AirPods with Cameras are a more plausible launch for Apple, which has been rumored about for a few years. Effectively smart glasses without the glasses element, the AirPods would have cameras to view the outside world.

Apple has reportedly added low-resolution cameras to the AirPods, as well as the pendant. Those cameras are intended to give AI a view of the world rather than for photography or videography.

As for when they may launch, the report says it is planned to arrive possibly later in 2026.