Apple is under pressure to come up with products that sell in large numbers without changing its existing product lineup.So the company may be planning to enter the low-cost wearables market, starting with a fitness ring and following up with some smart glasses.
Apple may be considering getting into wearable tech soon, launching a number of new products including fitness rings, smart glasses, and camera-equipped AirPods, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Garman. Finally, they are entering a market segment that is exploding.
Apple is under pressure to come up with products that sell in large numbers without changing its existing product lineup.
In the past, Apple’s industrial design group pitched the smart ring concept to the company’s health team, envisioning a device that would incorporate health tracking features similar to those found in the Apple Watch in a compact ring form factor. I did.
Recent discussions among engineers at Apple’s Cupertino research lab have also revolved around the development of smart glasses, Garman said, drawing inspiration from MetaPlatform and similar products announced by Amazon. .
These glasses could offer audio capabilities and replace the need for AirPods, while leveraging AI and cameras for object recognition, potentially paving the way for the augmented reality glasses that Apple has long envisioned. There is.
Exploring these ideas reflects Apple’s strategic focus on expanding the wearable device category, which has seen significant growth over the years. The division, which now includes products like the Apple Watch and AirPods, currently accounts for 10% of the company’s revenue, a marked increase from his less than 5% a decade ago.
In addition to serving as a revenue driver, wearable devices also allow Apple to attract new customers and strengthen user engagement within the Apple ecosystem.
Development of a smart ring is still speculative at this stage, but the concept is consistent with Apple’s strategy to cater to people who don’t like traditional watches or find wearing a smartwatch a hassle.
Such a device could provide a cost-effective means of collecting important health data and could be sold as an accessory for the iPhone, further boosting Apple’s ecosystem and customer retention efforts. It may be strengthened.
Similarly, the exploration of smart glasses aligns with Apple’s ambitions to introduce innovative wearable technology. True augmented reality glasses are still years away, but Apple may consider introducing a more modest version similar to the second versions of successful smart glasses from Amazon and Meta.
These glasses offer features such as video recording, music playback, and voice commands to meet evolving consumer preferences for wearable technology.
In its pursuit of wearable innovation, Apple is also looking to develop glasses to replace AirPods with extended battery life, advanced sensors, and expanded AI capabilities.
By offering a more affordable alternative to high-end products such as the $3,500 Vision Pro headset, Apple appeals to a broader consumer base while maintaining its commitment to superior technology and user experience. That’s what I’m aiming for.
While the fate of these proposed wearable devices remains uncertain, Apple faces increasing pressure to reinvigorate sales amid declining overall revenue and stagnation in its once-dominant wearables business. . By exploring lower-cost wearable options such as fitness rings and glasses, Apple is looking to reignite consumer interest and drive sustained growth in the competitive wearables market.
(Based on opinions from the agency)