Meta reportedly developing a voice-controlled AI necklace to compete with Apple

Meta is preparing a new product that could change the market for portable AI devices: a smart necklace with voice control. According to internal company documents that recently leaked online, the device will be the first step in Meta's large-scale strategy to compete with Apple in wearables. Development is at an advanced stage, and the company plans to launch within the next two years.

What we know about Meta's new necklace

The leaked documents show that Meta has built a working prototype of a smart necklace controlled exclusively by voice. The device, which has an internal working name, is designed to work with Meta's voice AI assistant and is meant to offer a strong alternative to the popular Apple AirPods Pro.

The necklace is designed to be as compact and ergonomic as possible, so it is comfortable to wear throughout the day.

According to sources with access to the internal documents, the device will be tightly integrated with Meta's ecosystem and will let users control apps, get up-to-date information, make purchases and hold full conversations with the AI hands-free. This matters most while driving, exercising, cooking or doing other chores when your hands are busy. The value to consumers is clear: a full-featured assistant that is always within reach but does not demand visual attention.

The device's battery is, according to preliminary information, rated for a full day of active use.

Meta's ambitious strategy for consumer AI devices

Meta is not stopping at one necklace. The company is developing an entire ecosystem of wearables meant to cover every aspect of the user's daily life:

• Advanced AR glasses with voice control for work and entertainment
• Smart bracelets with a voice interface and biometric sensors
• Rings with full biometric sensors for health monitoring
• Portable displays for extended interaction with the AI assistant

Inside the company, this initiative is seen as critically important to Meta's future. Entering the wearables market with its own ecosystem would let the company build an independent platform that does not depend on Apple and Google. That would give Meta control over the user experience and the flow of data.

A long-term competitive advantage

For Meta, this is a strategic step of great importance. While Apple focuses on evolutionary improvements to its AirPods and Apple Watch, Meta is building a new category of AI-focused devices from scratch. That lets the company set market standards and shape new user habits.

Voice control is becoming more appealing in an era of visual content overload. Users are looking for ways to minimize screen time, simplify how they interact with technology and automate routine tasks as much as possible. Meta's smart necklace offers exactly that.

What this means

The arrival of Meta's smart necklace signals the start of a new era in consumer electronics. If the company manages to launch the product successfully and win the market, it could set off a complete upheaval in how people interact with AI and digital services. For end users, it means a new type of device that becomes an integral part of everyday life. For the industry, it is a clear signal that big tech companies are moving from experiments to real production of AI devices. The battle for dominance in this segment is only beginning, and the stakes are maximal.

*Meta is designated an extremist organization and banned in Russia.