Apple Explores New Wearable Devices: Smart Glasses, Fitness Ring, and Enhanced AirPods
Apple considers developing new wearable devices: fitness ring, smart glasses, and enhanced AirPods. The smart ring could offer a low-cost alternative for health tracking. Smart glasses could act as a stepping stone towards true augmented reality spectacles.
Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, is reportedly considering the development of new wearable devices to expand its already successful line of wearables. The company is exploring the idea of creating a fitness ring, smart glasses, and even AirPods with built-in cameras. These potential additions to Apple's product lineup aim to further solidify its position in the wearable devices market.
The concept of a smart ring was initially presented by Apple's industrial design group to the company's health team a few years ago. This ring would incorporate health-tracking features similar to those found in the Apple Watch, but in a more compact and convenient form. While the ring is still in the conceptual stage, it could provide a low-cost alternative for users who are primarily interested in health tracking and do not require the additional features of a smartwatch.
In addition to the smart ring, Apple is also exploring the development of smart glasses. These glasses would offer audio capabilities, eliminating the need for users to wear AirPods. They would leverage artificial intelligence and cameras to identify objects in the surrounding environment. This foray into smart glasses could serve as a stepping stone towards Apple's ultimate goal of creating true augmented reality spectacles that can be worn throughout the day.
The wearable devices division, which includes the Apple Watch and AirPods, has become a significant revenue generator for Apple, accounting for 10% of the company's total revenue. By expanding its wearable offerings, Apple aims to attract new customers, drive growth, and further integrate users into its ecosystem.
While the smart ring remains an idea at this stage, the smart glasses are in the exploratory phase within Apple's hardware engineering division. The company is also considering equipping AirPods with cameras, enhancing their functionality beyond audio capabilities.
The potential benefits of these wearable devices are clear. A fitness ring could cater to health-conscious individuals who prefer a more discreet and affordable option for tracking their health data. Smart glasses, although still a few years away from true augmented reality capabilities, could offer a more accessible and functional alternative to consumers. Enhanced AirPods with cameras and advanced AI could provide many of the benefits of smart glasses without the need for lenses and frames.
Apple's exploration of these wearable devices comes at a time when the company is under pressure to revitalize its sales and reignite growth. By offering lower-cost options in the wearables market, Apple can attract new customers without cannibalizing sales of its existing products.
In addition to wearable devices, Apple is also rumored to be working on a HomePod with a screen, a dedicated sports app for the iPhone, and a security upgrade to iMessage. These developments further demonstrate Apple's commitment to expanding its product offerings and enhancing user experiences across various domains.
Apple considers developing new wearable devices: fitness ring, smart glasses, and enhanced AirPods
The smart ring could offer a low-cost alternative for health tracking
Smart glasses could act as a stepping stone towards true augmented reality spectacles
Source: BLOOMBERG