What to know

  • Apple is reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses that could launch as early as 2026.
  • The glasses are expected to be lightweight and focus on AI features rather than augmented reality.
  • This would mark Apple's first entry into the smart glasses market, following its Vision Pro headset.

Apple might release its first pair of smart glasses next year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The lightweight glasses could arrive as early as 2026 and would focus primarily on AI features rather than the augmented reality capabilities found in the company's Vision Pro headset.

The report, citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, suggests these glasses would be significantly lighter and more wearable than the Vision Pro. They would likely serve as a companion device to your iPhone, similar to how the Apple Watch functions.

Unlike previous smart glasses attempts from companies like Google and Meta, Apple's approach appears to prioritize AI functionality. The glasses would potentially use Apple's on-device AI systems that the company has been developing.

This timeline aligns with earlier reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who suggested Apple was working on a more affordable mixed reality device. The smart glasses would represent a different product category than the $3,499 Vision Pro headset that launched earlier this year.

Apple has reportedly been working on various wearable display technologies for years. The company faces significant technical challenges in creating glasses that are both lightweight and capable of meaningful functionality.

If the 2026 timeline holds true, these glasses would arrive approximately two years after the Vision Pro's debut. This would give Apple time to refine the technology and build out the ecosystem of apps and services.

The smart glasses market has seen several high-profile failures, including Google Glass and Meta's Ray-Ban Stories. Apple's entry could potentially revitalize interest in the category, especially if the company can deliver a product that balances utility and wearability.

Apple has not officially commented on these reports, and the company typically does not discuss unreleased products. As with all technology in development, plans could change before any official announcement.

Via: theverge.com