Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 16 hrs ago
Supplier says it is working on Apple's AI glasses and camera-equipped AirPods
A Chinese supplier says it has worked on Apple's AI glasses and new smart earphones in a statement about its business.
The two accounts name the supplier differently: one says TCB Devices, while the other identifies Quick Intelligent Equipment.
The glasses are expected to use cameras, microphones and speakers to help answer questions about the wearer's surroundings through Apple's AI tools.
The first version is reportedly planned as AI glasses without augmented reality or a display.
Camera-equipped AirPods would use cameras in each earpiece to capture the wearer's surroundings and send the information to a nearby iPhone.
The glasses are reportedly targeted for a late 2027 release, while one account says the AirPods may arrive with the 20th-anniversary iPhone.
A Chinese supplier said it had been involved in Apple projects for AI glasses and new smart earphones, potentially referring to rumored smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods.
The disclosure was reported in connection with the supplier’s quarterly results or an earnings briefing.
Reports identify the supplier differently: AppleInsider names TCB Devices, while MacRumors and Heise name Quick Intelligent Equipment.
Apple’s first smart glasses are reportedly expected in late 2027 and would use AI features without augmented-reality displays.
Apple has not commented on the reported products.
- Who
- A Chinese manufacturing equipment supplier; reports disagree on whether it was TCB Devices or Quick Intelligent Equipment.
- What
- The supplier said it had participated in Apple AI glasses and new smart earphone projects.
- When
- The disclosure was reported on November 11, 2026.
- Where
- The supplier is in China. The location of the statement is not stated.
- Why
- The supplier said the projects could advance related business areas, including precision assembly and machine vision inspection.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hyundai confirmed talks with Apple about potentially building an Apple Car, according to AppleInsider and Heise.
Reports said a Chinese supplier had disclosed involvement in Apple AI glasses and new smart earphone projects.
Apple’s first smart glasses are reportedly expected to launch.
- Reported disclosure date
- November 11, 2026
- Supplier named by AppleInsider
- TCB Devices
- Supplier named by MacRumors and Heise
- Quick Intelligent Equipment
- Reported smart-glasses launch
- Late 2027
- Related products
- AI glasses and new smart earphones
3 sources
What people are saying
Apple's AI glasses and new smart earphones projects