Apple is quietly entering the AI hardware space, according to a new report that suggests the company is developing a new AI device designed to be clipped onto clothing. The move would place Apple squarely in the emerging race to define what AI-powered consumer devices look like, just as rivals like OpenAI prepare to introduce their own.
According to report by The Information, Apple’s prototype takes the form of a small, circular pin roughly the size of an AirTag. The device is said to include multiple cameras and microphones, along with a built-in speaker and a physical button, allowing it to capture images, process voice input, and respond without relying on a screen.
Apple is reportedly targeting a potential launch as early as 2027, and the timing is notable. Earlier this week, OpenAI has said it plans to unveil its first consumer AI hardware product in the second half of 2026. While the company has not disclosed specifics, several reports have fueled speculation that its debut device could take the form of AI-powered earbuds.
Inside the race to wearable AI
Together, the two efforts signal growing urgency among tech giants to move AI beyond apps and into always-on, wearable form factors.
The renewed push comes after mixed results from earlier attempts at AI wearables. Humane, a startup founded by former Apple employees, drew significant attention for its own AI pin, which relied on voice commands and camera input. Despite strong design credentials and heavy funding, the product struggled to gain traction and ultimately shut down, selling parts of its business to HP in 2025.
Apple’s reported design reflects lessons learned from those failures. The pin is described as thin and lightweight, constructed from aluminum and glass, and charged using a magnetic or inductive system similar to other Apple accessories.
A standard front-facing camera and a wide-angle lens would allow it to capture photos and video, while three microphones handle voice input. A speaker and tactile button round out the controls, keeping interaction simple and discreet.
Still, challenges remain. Humane’s collapse highlighted how difficult it is to balance battery life, performance, pricing, and privacy in compact AI hardware – especially when consumer expectations are shaped by smartphones and established ecosystems.
