The AI Pin, launched in April 2024 for $699, was riddled with issues from the start, failing to deliver on its lofty promises. Things only worsened when Humane recalled its charging cases in June 2024 due to a fire hazard, sending its 37 customers a warning to stop using them immediately.

Humane has confirmed it is discontinuing the AI Pin altogether, with all sold units ceasing to function after February 28, 2025. Offline features will remain, but anything requiring an internet connection—including AI access and calling—will be rendered useless. Essentially, the AI Pin will become an expensive paperweight.

Humane is offering refunds to customers within their 90-day return window, though those outside of it will only receive a prorated refund for their subscription. This decision is unlikely to sit well with early adopters, whose $700 investment will be rendered worthless in under a year.

Humane will delete all consumer data stored on its servers on 28 February as part of the shutdown. Users are urged to download any saved photos, videos, or notes before then.

Adding insult to injury, Humane will not replace the faulty charging cases either. Instead, customers will be issued a partial refund after 28 February.

Humane’s demise was inevitable. Bloomberg reports that the company’s founders, Imran Chaudhuri and Bethany Bongiorno, will now lead HP’s new AI-focused "HP IQ" division, which will be tasked with bringing AI innovations to PCs, printers, and other devices.

The writing had been on the wall for some time. Humane began seeking buyers in May 2024, initially hoping to sell for up to $1 billion. However, the company ultimately settled for just $116 million—less than half of what it raised from investors.