Apple is unlikely to be pleased about this: A Chinese supplier of manufacturing equipment said at an investor conference that it was involved in an “Apple AI glasses” project. There is also talk of “new smart headphones.” These are likely the Apple Glasses, which have been rumored for some time, and possibly AirPods with built-in cameras. Apple is not commenting on this.
Jin Chun, chair of the board at Quick Intelligent Equipment, actually had no reason to talk about the AI glasses. A questioner wanted to know whether the launch of the anniversary iPhone in 2027 would also lead to increased demand for the Chinese supplier. Chun responded evasively and did not answer the question about the iPhone, instead talking about the AI glasses and the headphones. These would help advance the company’s precision soldering and assembly processes, machine inspection (machine vision), and other related business areas.
Apple is likely to be “not amused”
Now that this statement is making the rounds worldwide, the Apple contract could be at risk. Industry observers are recalling 2021, when automaker Hyundai confirmed talks with Apple about manufacturing a possible Apple car. According to reports, Apple subsequently backed out.
The statement by the Chinese company executive corroborates circulating rumors that Apple is planning a major push into the smart glasses business. It is said not to be an augmented-reality device, but rather glasses through which Apple’s AI voice assistant Siri AI and Apple Intelligence can be used via built-in microphones and speakers. There is also talk of a high-resolution camera for photos and videos, as well as a second camera that provides Siri with information about the surroundings via Visual Intelligence. In April, there was additionally talk of four different glasses designs with an oval camera lens on which Apple is supposedly working internally.
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