Apple’s take on smart glasses could arrive next year, according to a report from Bloomberg on Thursday. While the description of the specs sound a lot like what Meta and Google are doing in that area, Apple has a reputation for fashion-forward and iconic products that could help set it apart as it plays catchup.
The glasses are expected to ship late in 2026 with cameras, microphones and speakers, as well as multimodal AI that could respond to requests via Siri and that can «see» and analyze the environment of the wearer, Bloomberg reported.
The report comes just two days after Google’s I/O conference, where the company revealed more details about its Android XR platform, alongside partners including Warby Parker, for creating smart glasses offerings.
The smart glasses from Apple would be distinct from the company’s Vision Pro VR headset, a well-reviewed but bulky and expensive product that has failed to catch on with consumers.
The Bloomberg report also said that Apple is scrapping plans to put a camera in its Apple Watch devices.
Apple did not immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.
Will Apple’s smart glasses just be more of the same?
According to the report, Apple’s smart glasses will ship with cameras, microphones and speakers, all of which are necessary for the rumored AI feature expected to come from them. The wearer will be able to perform several actions you can do on a smartphone today, like controlling music playback and asking Siri questions.
However, the AI smarts will kick it up by being able to see what the user does, not unlike Google’s Gemini Live camera mode and what can be currently available with Meta’s Ray-Ban Glasses. But as with the AI-Powered Siri we’re still patiently waiting for, Apple’s smart glasses could be something special if the device pans out.
Apple plans to begin producing prototypes by the end of the year, according to unnamed people close to the matter cited by Bloomberg. The hands-free device is also expected to ship with a dedicated chip Apple has designed specifically for the product.
Apple’s aiming for augmented reality above all else
Apparently this particular pair of glasses isn’t Apple’s true ambition. The report says that Apple’s ultimate goal is to create a pair of augmented reality glasses and this product is but a milestone towards that. While augmented reality has been around for some time now, a proper implementation in smart glasses is something we’ve yet to see, but we know it’s coming.
This is far from the first time we’ve heard of Apple looking into creating AR glasses or a product to go head to head with Meta’s Ray-Bans. Apple doesn’t typically have a problem with being late to market with its products, so it’s fair to assume it’s not rushing on what could be a solid product segment for it.
For more, don’t miss CNET’s coverage on how Android XR and Apple will be key to normalizing smart glasses.