The next front in Meta’s AI hardware push could be a pendant that goes wherever the conversation does.
Meta is reportedly developing an AI-powered pendant that could begin testing within the next year, marking the company’s latest move to expand its presence in the growing wearable AI market. According to The Information, the planned device is part of a broader hardware strategy that also includes new smart glasses and a workplace-focused subscription service called “Wearables for Work.”
The initiative comes as Meta seeks new ways to drive adoption of its AI products while improving the performance of its hardware-focused Reality Labs division, which has struggled financially in recent years.
Reuters reported that Reality Labs recorded a loss of $4.03 billion during the first quarter of 2026 on revenue of $402 million.
Building on the Limitless acquisition
The reported pendant project appears to build directly on Meta’s acquisition of AI wearable startup Limitless in late 2025. Limitless developed a clip-on device known as “Pendant,” which could record conversations throughout the day and generate transcripts, summaries, and searchable records of interactions.
While specific details about Meta’s own pendant remain unclear, reports suggest the company is exploring wearable devices that can provide continuous AI assistance and contextual support throughout the day.
More smart glasses on the way
The reported pendant is only one part of Meta’s expanding wearable roadmap. According to The Information’s reporting, cited by Engadget, Meta plans to release as many as four new smart-glasses models before the end of 2026.
The devices reportedly carry internal codenames including Modelo, Luna, RBM2 Refresh, and Mojito VIP. Additional future concepts, including glasses known internally as Artemis and SSG, are also said to be under testing.
Meta already sells AI-enabled smart glasses through partnerships with EssilorLuxottica’s Ray-Ban and Oakley brands. The company now aims to significantly broaden its glasses lineup as it deepens its focus on AI-powered hardware. The new devices are expected to integrate Meta’s AI models and potentially future AI services currently under development, according to reports.
Enterprise ambitions take shape
Beyond consumer products, Meta is also reportedly preparing a business-focused subscription offering called “Wearables for Work.” According to The Information, the service is designed to encourage greater use of Meta’s AI tools among commercial customers.
Engadget reported that Alex Himel, Meta’s vice president of wearables, wrote in an internal memo that the company wants to increase adoption of its AI models while encouraging users to pay for subscription services tied to those experiences. The publication also reported that Meta hopes to secure at least 10 corporate customers for the workplace-focused offering and deploy hundreds of devices within large organizations.
Privacy questions return
While AI wearables continue to attract interest across the technology industry, the category has faced significant challenges.
Several earlier AI-focused wearable products struggled to gain mainstream traction, with privacy concerns frequently emerging as a major obstacle. Devices that continuously listen to or record conversations have drawn scrutiny from consumers and regulators alike.
Meta’s reported pendant plans are likely to reignite those discussions, particularly because the concept builds on technology designed to capture and transcribe everyday conversations.
Still, the company appears committed to expanding its presence in the emerging AI hardware market, betting that wearable devices could become an important gateway to the next generation of personal AI assistants.
The reported hardware expansion arrives amid Meta’s aggressive AI spending campaign, a strategy that has already reshaped parts of the company through major investments and workforce reductions.
Read the full article here
