Apple is exploring some ambitious new ideas in the wearables space, including smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras, according to a new report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. While still in the early conceptual stages, these projects offer a glimpse into Apple’s vision for the future of wearable computing.

Unlike the higher-end AR glasses, which would overlay digital information onto the real world, these smart glasses would be more akin to an Apple version of the Ray-Ban Stories – glasses outfitted with sensors and artificial intelligence capabilities.

According to Gurman, Apple’s smart glasses would act as enhanced AirPods, relying on voice control and providing audio without the need for headphones. They would have improved battery life compared to AirPods and feature additional sensors and AI functions. The goal would be to provide core AirPod features in a head-worn design, paving the way for more advanced AR capabilities down the road.

In addition to the smart glasses, Apple has explored adding cameras to AirPods themselves. This project, codenamed B798, would integrate low-resolution cameras into the earbuds, paired with artificial intelligence to enable new functionality. For example, the cameras could provide user gesture controls or enhance augmented reality experiences.

While miniaturizing cameras into earbuds presents engineering challenges, Gurman notes that Apple aims to make camera-equipped AirPods around the same size as current models. This suggests advanced form factor design would be critical to bringing the concept to reality.

These emerging wearables projects signal Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design to create more personal and intelligent devices. As the company’s existing AirPods, Apple Watch and other wearables continue maturing, exploring radical new concepts like smart glasses and earbud cameras allows Apple to experiment with the next era of mobile computing.

Of course, these ideas are still in the early stages and may never launch as consumer products. But Apple is entering a phase of “planting seeds” for future innovations, Gurman says. Alongside the glasses and camera earbuds, Apple continues to research possibilities like smart rings, though it is not actively developing a ring device currently.

By incubating forward-looking projects like AI glasses and camera earbuds, Apple aims to pave the way for more ubiquitous and intelligent wearable technologies. While the ultimate practicality and privacy implications remain unclear, Apple’s willingness to explore unconventional ideas today hints at how our digital lives may evolve tomorrow. The company that revolutionized smartphones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds still has many more “next big things” up its sleeve.