Home / Technology / Cook Signals Visual Intelligence as AI's Next Frontier
Cook Signals Visual Intelligence as AI's Next Frontier
22 Feb
Summary
- Apple CEO Tim Cook is focusing on 'Visual Intelligence' for AI wearables.
- New AI wearables could include advanced AirPods, smart glasses, and pendants.
- Apple is planning a three-day product launch event starting March 2, 2026.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is positioning 'Visual Intelligence' as the cornerstone of the company's forthcoming AI-driven wearable devices. This technology, designed to interpret and act upon visual context, is expected to power new product categories.
Future AI wearables from Apple may encompass advanced AirPods, smart glasses, and neck-worn or body-worn pendants equipped with computer vision capabilities. These devices aim to offer enhanced functionality beyond current smartphone applications.
Cook has previously hinted at Apple's interest in visual AI, notably during earnings calls where he highlighted Visual Intelligence as a key feature of Apple Intelligence. This feature allows users to interact with content on their iPhone screens.
Apple is also preparing for its initial product introductions of 2026. A series of announcements is slated to take place over three days, commencing on March 2, 2026, culminating in a 'special Apple Experience' on March 4.
Expected product launches include a low-cost MacBook, the iPhone 17e, an iPad Air with an M4 chip, an entry-level iPad, and updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Refreshed Mac Studio desktops and a new Apple Studio Display are also anticipated in the first half of 2026.
On the software front, iOS 26.4 beta introduces significant updates, including support for video podcasts, a redesigned wallpaper interface, new features for the Music app, and the implementation of Stolen Device Protection by default. Third-party voice AI apps will also be supported in CarPlay.
