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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Meta Platforms is preparing to broaden its presence in the wearable technology market, with plans to test an artificial intelligence-powered pendant and significantly expand its smart glasses portfolio as the company seeks to strengthen a hardware business that continues to generate heavy losses.
According to a report by The Information, the technology giant has outlined an ambitious roadmap for its wearable devices division, including the development of a new AI pendant that could begin testing within the next year. The plans were reportedly detailed in an internal memo by Alex Himel.
The proposed AI pendant represents Meta’s latest effort to integrate artificial intelligence into everyday consumer devices. While specific details remain limited, such devices are generally designed to function as personal AI assistants, capable of listening to conversations, processing information and providing real-time support through voice interactions.
The company is also said to be preparing a major expansion of its AI-powered smart glasses lineup, building on the momentum generated by its partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The collaboration has already produced smart eyewear under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, combining traditional eyewear designs with AI-powered features such as voice assistance, photography and real-time information access.
As part of its broader strategy, Meta is reportedly planning to introduce a business-focused platform known as “Wearables for Work”, aimed at bringing AI-enabled wearable technology into professional environments. The service could allow employees to access information, communicate and perform workplace tasks through connected devices, reflecting growing interest in enterprise applications for artificial intelligence.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for Meta’s hardware ambitions. The company’s Reality Labs division, responsible for virtual reality, augmented reality and wearable technologies, continues to face significant financial pressure. During the first quarter of the year, the unit reported revenue of $402 million while posting a loss of more than $4 billion, underscoring the challenge of turning emerging technologies into profitable businesses.
Despite the losses, Meta appears determined to expand its footprint in the sector. Reports indicate the company aims to sell approximately 10 million wearable devices during the second half of 2026 through new product launches and wider international availability.
The company’s growing focus on wearable AI devices reflects a broader industry trend as major technology firms compete to define the next generation of consumer computing. Analysts increasingly view wearable technology as a potential successor to smartphones, with AI-powered glasses, earbuds and body-worn assistants expected to play a larger role in how users interact with digital services.
Meta’s interest in AI pendants was reinforced last year when it acquired Limitless, a startup specialising in wearable devices capable of recording, transcribing and organising real-world conversations. The acquisition was widely seen as an effort to accelerate the company’s development of always-available AI assistants that can accompany users throughout their daily routines.
The latest plans also highlight the intensifying competition among technology giants seeking leadership in artificial intelligence hardware. Companies including Apple, Google and OpenAI are investing heavily in devices designed to bring AI closer to users, moving beyond traditional smartphones and computers.
While Meta declined to comment on the reported roadmap, the company’s continued investment in wearables suggests it sees AI-enabled hardware as a central pillar of its long-term growth strategy, despite the substantial costs associated with developing and commercialising the technology.
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