Humane Ai Pin Shipping Delayed to Mid-April

The highly anticipated Humane Ai Pin is seeing a shift in its release schedule. Originally slated for a March launch, the wearable device is now expected to reach customers by mid-April, according to a recent update from the company.

Sam Sheffer, Head of Media at the Bay Area startup, confirmed the timeline in a video update. He noted that the initial production units are scheduled to depart from the factory toward the end of March. Following this, customers with “priority access” will begin receiving their devices in the middle of April, with remaining preorders following shortly thereafter.

A New Category for Hardware

Humane’s entry into the market represents a broader industry pivot toward generative AI-first hardware. While the smartphone has dominated consumer technology for over a decade, startups like Humane and Rabbit are betting on new form factors to integrate AI models from providers such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.

The company, founded by former Apple employees, has built significant momentum through high-profile pre-launch marketing and an official unveiling in San Francisco last November. To date, Humane has secured approximately $230 million in funding, including a $100 million Series C round closed last year.

Market Challenges and Expectations

The delay comes as the company navigates the complexities of launching its first-generation hardware. Maintaining consumer trust is essential for a product that carries a $699 price tag and requires a $24 monthly subscription fee. For those who place preorders before March 31, Humane is offering a promotional period of three months of the subscription service at no extra cost.

Operational adjustments have also been part of the company’s recent narrative. During the CES trade show, Humane confirmed a reduction in its workforce, laying off 10 employees—roughly 10% of its staff. While a relatively small figure, the move drew attention given the startup’s need to maintain investor and consumer confidence during this critical pre-launch phase.