Apple is reportedly working on a new wearable device equipped with a camera, possibly its first smart glasses. Evidence surfaced in the system files of iOS 27, revealing a device with model number B790 that supports Visual Intelligence-a feature that recognizes objects, text, signs, and logos through the camera and provides responses via Siri.
While the device itself is unnamed in the code, the functionality of Visual Intelligence implies a wearable gadget designed to ”see” the surroundings independently, rather than just pulling data from an iPhone. This fuels speculation about Apple’s entry into smart glasses or another wearable category the company hasn’t explored yet.
Visual Intelligence is part of Apple’s broader push toward ”seeing” AI in its devices. Currently available on iPhone 15 Pro models and later, the feature lets users point the camera at an object and ask Siri for information-whether it’s text, landmarks, or brands. The hands-free nature of smart glasses makes them an ideal platform for this technology, offering constant camera access directly in the user’s field of vision.
Apple won’t be entering an empty field. Competitors already in the space include:
- Meta, which sells Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with cameras and AI capabilities
- Google, which has signaled renewed interest in Android XR wearables set to debut in 2025
Against this backdrop, the B790 isn’t just a side project; it looks like Apple’s attempt to respond to competitors who have moved first into the emerging smart glasses market.
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