Cook officially announces Apple's entry into AI hardware; the first AI glasses are expected to be released this year

Tech News, February 6 — Technology media Cult of Mac today (February 6) published a blog post reporting that during Apple’s all-hands meeting this week, CEO Tim Cook confirmed for the first time that the company is actively preparing a series of new AI-powered product categories.

Cook did not showcase specific prototypes at the meeting but emphasized the new opportunities AI brings to Apple. The media believes this statement confirms long-standing industry speculation: Apple is trying to redefine user-device interaction through artificial intelligence technology, gradually moving away from reliance on traditional touchscreens.

According to the blog, regarding AI devices, based on current leaks, there are at least two products: AI glasses and an AI brooch.

The media reports that Apple is accelerating the development of AI smart glasses, seen as one of the key devices to succeed the iPhone. The first-generation product is expected to lack a display, instead integrating a camera, microphone, and speaker to enable phone calls, music playback, real-time translation, and directional navigation.

It is said that Apple will showcase an initial concept of this product by the end of 2026, with a release planned for 2027. The second-generation version with a display may not arrive until 2028.

As for the AI brooch, it is about the size of an AirTag, made of a hybrid aluminum alloy and glass shell, and is planned to be released as early as 2027. The device features two cameras (a standard lens and a wide-angle lens), capable of taking photos and capturing real-time video of the surrounding environment.

Image source: 9to5Mac

The device has three microphones for precise audio capture, a speaker for voice feedback, and a physical button on the edge. The back uses a magnetic induction charging port similar to the Apple Watch.