Apple intends to release a pair of smart glasses by late 2026. These glasses will be similar in function to Meta’s Ray-Ban models and the Android XR glasses recently unveiled by Google. Apple is positioning its new glasses as a distinct type of wearable device—more lightweight, streamlined, and above all else, user-friendly.
An Apple insider told Bloomberg that these glasses are comparable to Meta’s version but crafted with superior quality. While Meta’s smart glasses rely on AI from Meta Llama and Google Gemini, Apple intends to power its device using its proprietary AI technology.
Apple’s upcoming smart glasses are set to feature cameras, microphones, and integrated AI functionalities, resembling the capabilities found in Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. These glasses will enable users to capture photos and videos, translate languages, offer step-by-step navigation, stream music, handle phone calls, provide insights about the wearer’s surroundings, and respond to questions. However, they will not support augmented reality features.
In addition, Apple is reportedly planning to embed tiny cameras in upcoming versions of the AirPods and Apple Watch, with a potential release date around 2027.
Sources such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that these devices will play a key role in deepening the integration of Apple’s AI technologies within its hardware lineup. The cameras are anticipated to support various AI-powered features, including object recognition and description through a Visual Intelligence system, akin to what newer iPhones offer.
Although these wearables are not expected to support conventional photography or video calls like FaceTime, their main function will be to capture visual information for on-device AI processing, enabling smarter, more context-sensitive interactions for users.
The smart glasses will clearly integrate the digital assistant Siri, which is expected to be significantly enhanced by the product’s release. Regarding performance, Apple is said to be developing new, energy-efficient processors specifically designed for the glasses, aimed at maintaining a lightweight design while delivering smooth operation.