Apple's plans to expand its wearable technology portfolio are gaining attention after a Chinese manufacturing supplier reportedly revealed its involvement in the company's upcoming AI glasses and new smart earphone projects.
The development offers a fresh indication that Apple is exploring ways to bring artificial intelligence beyond the iPhone, although neither product has been officially announced.
The alleged revelation was said to have occurred during a briefing on the earnings of the supplier in the third quarter of 2026. The citation has stirred speculation about Apple's plans to enter the AI wearable industry, with products that can recognize the user's environment and react to voice commands.
According to reports, Chinese supplier Quick Intelligent Equipment, also known as TCB Devices, mentioned its participation in Apple's AI glasses project.
The company indicated that its involvement in these projects could support growth in its precision welding, assembly, and machine vision inspection businesses.
The upcoming Apple smart glasses are predicted to be more centered around artificial intelligence technology and not around the usual augmented reality characteristics.
The device will consist of cameras, microphones, and speakers, which will enable its users to communicate with Siri and get information depending on the environment.
For example, people could potentially ask questions about the things that surround them, translate languages, and get contextual help. The first-generation glasses will differ from the Vision Pro due to the absence of the display.
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Apple is also reportedly working on AirPods equipped with cameras or visual sensors. They are meant to assist Apple's artificial intelligence in recognizing the surrounding objects instead of working as photography instruments traditionally.
According to earlier reports, the AirPods with cameras can be expected in 2027, along with Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone. The smart glasses are also rumored to hit the market at the end of 2027.
Nonetheless, neither of these products have been announced by Apple, and no information is available regarding the pricing and specifications of the gadgets and their release schedule. For now, the statements made by the supplier reveal Apple's plans regarding the wearable technology, but things may vary in the future.