<p>The strength of pearlitic steel wire increases after cold-drawing, but its ductility deteriorates. Annealing treatments can enhance the toughness and ductility of the wire; however, few studies have been made on the annealing strength mechanism and strengthening model of pearlite steel wire. In the present study, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical testing were used to investigate the effects of annealing on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and strengthening mechanisms of 82B high-carbon pearlitic steel wire. The results show that after annealing, pearlite lamellae are coarsened. Cementite undergoes localized fracture and dissolution, leading to the formation of granular, short-rod, and long-rod morphologies. At the same time, the carbon atoms released by dissolution are dissolved in ferrite, resulting in lattice distortion and significantly improving the effect of solid solution strengthening. As the annealing temperature increases, the tensile strength of the wire initially rises and then gradually declines. The overall strength prediction was determined by employing a solid solution strengthening model, based on Fick's law for solute atom diffusion, in conjunction with models for dislocation and grain boundary strengthening. The model's predicted values are consistent with the experimental values, thus confirming its reliability. This model provides a robust theoretical foundation for optimizing the microstructures and mechanical properties of high-strength pearlitic steel wires.</p>