Apple's AI-Powered Smart Glasses Set for 2026 Launch, Challenging Competitors in Wearable Tech

Apple's AI Smart Glasses to Arrive in 2026, According to Report

Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he's not in front of a keyboard, you'll most likely find him playing video games, watching horror flicks, or hunting down a good churro. 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 user requests via Siri and that can "see" and analyze the environment of the wearer. 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 for comment.

Apple's first smart glasses could arrive next year

Emma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Apple is planning to debut its first pair of smart glasses next year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The upcoming glasses will reportedly come with cameras, microphones, and speakers, "allowing them to analyze the external world and take requests via the Siri voice assistant," Bloomberg says. The glasses would also be capable of taking phone calls, controlling music playback, performing live translations, and offering directions. They'll also reportedly feature an in-house chip, though plans for incorporating augmented reality still "remain years away." The rumor comes just one day after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the acquisition of io, the AI hardware design company owned by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Altman and Ive plan to launch their first AI devices next year, and rumors suggest that it will be a screenless device with built-in cameras and microphones. A source tells Bloomberg that Apple's device will be similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, "but better made." Meta sold more than 1 million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses last year, while Google just announced that it's working with Xreal, Warby Parker, Samsung, and Gentle Monsters to create AI smart glasses on its Android XR platform.

Apple Plans Glasses for 2026 as Part of AI Push, Nixes Watch With Camera

Apple Inc. is aiming to release smart glasses at the end of next year as part of a push into AI-enhanced gadgets, but it has shelved plans for a smartwatch that can analyze its surroundings with a built-in camera. Company engineers are ramping up work on the glasses -- a rival to Meta Platforms Inc.'s popular Ray-Bans -- in a bid to meet the year-end 2026 target, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes at the end of this year with overseas suppliers, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the products haven't been announced.

Apple plans smart glasses launch in 2026, Bloomberg News reports

May 22 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab plans to release smart glasses at the end of next year, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, in the iPhone maker's latest push to diversify its product lineup and boost demand for its artificial intelligence devices. Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes of the devices at the end of this year with overseas suppliers, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The company's push into facewear comes after its Vision Pro headset saw lukewarm reception from the public due to its hefty price tag and lack of AI features. Apple's new glasses will compete with Facebook-parent Meta's (META.O), opens new tab Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have become popular with consumers. Apple also shelved plans for a smartwatch that can analyze its surroundings with a built-in camera, the report said. The company had actively been working to release a camera-equipped Apple Watch by 2027, but that work was shut down, the report added. Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab Suggested Topics:Business

Apple will reportedly release smart glasses next year

The tech company is trying to catch up to the AI wearables coming from rivals. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that Apple aims to release smart glasses by the end of 2026. This product would be equipped with cameras, microphones and speakers so that a wearer could interact with the Siri voice assistant. The glasses would also support activities such as listening to music, taking phone calls or hearing step-by-step directions to a location. Apple has long been working toward an end goal of , but it has faced several hurdles in getting its AI endeavors to parity with other rivals. We're expecting a lot of AI announcements during in a few weeks, but some of them may be met with skepticism after the and sometimes rollout of its Apple Intelligence suite. Meanwhile, other companies have already made waves with AI-enabled smart glasses. Meta has seen a fair amount of from its partnership with Ray-Ban. Google recently unveiled new plans for its with a demo during its I/O showcase earlier this week. And OpenAI is getting in on the hardware game thanks to its of Jony Ive's io design startup, although it hasn't offered details yet on planned projects. Apple's project sounds more akin to the Meta option than to the display-equipped model Google showed off, but we'll likely hear more specifics soon. While Apple pushes to ready smart glasses for next year, it has abandoned some other wearables projects. According to Gurman's sources, the company has left the idea of a camera-equipped Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra by the wayside. However, AirPods with cameras appear to still be in development.

Report: Apple aiming to release AI smart glasses next year - 9to5Mac

Apple is expediting its plans to compete with Meta's popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. Bloomberg reports today that Apple is now aiming to release smart glasses "at the end of next year." Simultaneously, the company has dropped its plans to release an Apple Watch with a built-in camera. The report says that Apple will "start producing large quantities of prototypes at the end of this year." The glasses will reportedly have built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers so they can "analyze the external world and take requests via the Siri voice assistant." Other features on the docket include support for taking phone calls, playing music, turn-by-turn directions, and live translation. "One person with knowledge of the glasses said they will be similar to the Meta product but better made," the report says. The work is being spearheaded by Apple's Vision Products Group, which spearheaded the work on Vision Pro as well. There are reportedly concerns inside Apple, however, that the company's ongoing struggles in AI could hinder these smart glasses: People working on Apple's smart glasses remain concerned that its AI failings may undermine the new product. The Meta Ray-Bans and upcoming glasses running the Android operating system benefit from the strength of Meta's Llama and Google's Gemini artificial intelligence platforms. Today, Apple uses Google Lens and OpenAI for analysis of the real world via the iPhone's Visual Intelligence feature. The company will likely want to roll out its own technology for that with the upcoming hardware Bloomberg had previously reported that Apple was also developing future Apple Watch models with built-in cameras. That project, however, has reportedly been shelved as of this week. Work on AirPods with built-in cameras is still ongoing.

Apple's 'AI push' could mean smart glasses arrive as soon as 2026

(Image credit: Martin Hajek/ iDrop News/ Shutterstock/ Tom's Guide) According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is seeking to release a set of smart glasses by end of 2026 as part of a "push into AI-enhanced gadgets." The Apple Glasses, meant to take on the Meta Ray-Ban glasses and any upcoming products built on the Android XR platform that Google showed off this week, have entered a ramped up development to meet the target date. Prototypes should be produced by the end of this year, the Bloomberg report claims. With OpenAI buying former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive's company (which he started with OpenAI's Sam Altman) to build the 'iPhone of AI' it seems the Cupertino giant is feeling the pressure. In April, it was reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook is "obsessed" with launching a pair of Apple Glasses. Like other smart glasses, the Apple version is supposed to feature cameras, microphones and speakers. Coupled with Apple Intelligence and Siri, they could potentially analyze the external world and take on tasks like music playback, live translations, and phone calls. Gurman claims that Apple wants its glasses to use augmented reality (AR) to use displays and other tech to show digital content on the lens, but that feature might not come any time soon. Allegedly, Apple's Vision Products Group, makers of the Vision Pro headset, will develop this product. And while they are working on a new version of Apple's spatial computing headset, apparently, Glasses are getting the bulk of the focus. The group is supposed to be helping design a chip meant for smart glasses, which might launch next year. Much of Apple's future plans depend on the company bolstering Apple Intelligence, something the company has struggled with since its take on AI was announced in June of 2024. A number of reports have come out in the last few months that claim that Apple couldn't get its priorities in order especially when it comes to Siri. Recently, Apple has started to open up its walled garden by allowing third-party LLMs to help bolster Apple Intelligence alongside ChatGPT which is already integrated with Siri. For the rumored glasses to succeed in the way Apple wants, the company will have to offer a more robust version of its AI tools, including a smarter version of its personal assistant. That could happen with the iOS 19 update likely to arrive later this year. Not only will iOS 19 offer a redesign for Apple's iPhone software, it's supposed to give Apple Intelligence a boost. There have been rumors that Apple was working on an Apple Watch or Apple Watch Ultra that would feature a camera; however, Gurman claims those plans have been squashed. A rumored AirPods update that would feature built-in cameras is still in the works. Reportedly, those earbuds would launch next year as well. Next year could be big for Apple with new products and overhauled classics. Apple's first foldable phone should also launch late next year.

Apple Smart Glasses Launching in 2026

Apple is planning to launch a set of smart glasses by the end of 2026, reports Bloomberg. The glasses will be comparable to the Meta Ray-Bans and the Android XR glasses that Google showed off earlier this week. Apple's smart glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities, much like the Meta Ray-Bans. The glasses will be able to take photos, record video, provide translations, give turn-by-turn directions, play music, facilitate phone calls, offer feedback on what the wearer is seeing, and answer queries, but there won't be augmented reality capabilities included. Siri will be a key part of the glasses experience, with Apple planning to improve the personal assistant ahead of when the product launches. With Apple targeting a late 2026 launch, work on the smart glasses has ramped up. Apple plans to produce "large quantities" of prototypes by the end of this year, giving the company time to test before mass production and a public unveiling. According to Bloomberg, an Apple employee said that the glasses are similar to Meta's glasses, "but better made." The Meta Ray-Bans use Meta Llama and Google Gemini, but Apple will rely on its own AI models. Apple's longtime goal has been a pair of lightweight augmented reality glasses, and the smart glasses that it is working on for 2026 will serve as a stepping stone. True augmented reality glasses are still years away as components like chips and batteries need to come down in price and size.

Apple AI glasses 'better made' than Meta's now on tap for 2026

The company has also canceled plans to equip the Apple Watch with cameras. WWDC may be just around the corner, but Apple is already looking ahead to 2026. And it's going to be a big year -- along with a folding phone and OLED MacBooks, Apple is also planning to launch a brand new wearable powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple has big plans to release smart glasses in the second half of 2026, according to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The glasses will be similar to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses that have a built-in camera for taking pictures, shooting video, and analyzing images, anopen-ear speakers, and a microphone for voice commands. Gurman states that the glasses will be similar to the Ray-Ban Metas but "better made." It will also be able to "handle tasks such as phone calls, music playback, live translations, and turn-by-turn directions." He also said that "large quantities of prototypes" will be ready by the end of this year. Eventually, the glasses would support augmented reality, where digital content is superimposed on what the user sees, but those features are "years away." The report comes a day after OpenAI announced a major deal to acquire an AI startup company established by Jony Ive, Apple's former design chief, who is currently running design firm LoveFrom. The deal was struck to deliver Open AI-based products, which would compete with Apple. Google also announced plans to deliver Gemini-based smart glasses. However, Gurman reports that while Apple's smart glasses will rely on AI-based features, people within Apple expressed concern that the company's mishandling of AI development will hinder the ability to develop the product. Apple's Visual Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.2, can provide information based on a visual examination of what is seen through an iPhone camera, but it relies heavily on ChatGPT. Apple will want to be able to use its own AI technology instead for the smart glasses, so a revamped Siri needs to come first. Gurman also reported that Apple has scrapped plans to equip the Apple Watch with cameras. The plan was to use the camera for AI-based features. Apple is reportedly continuing with the development of camera-equipped AirPods.

Apple's AI glasses are coming, but not the way you think

Apple is reportedly accelerating development on their new wearable: AI-powered smart glasses designed to compete directly with Meta's Ray-Bans. According to Bloomberg, the Cupertino-based company is targeting a late 2026 launch and has begun preparing large-scale prototypes for production. This new report clarifies and updates earlier information reported by our publication, which speculated that Apple would debut its smart glasses alongside custom chips based on Apple Watch architecture. At the time, sources suggested that chip production would begin in summer 2026. However, Bloomberg now confirms that Apple aims to start producing significant quantities of the smart glasses themselves -- not just their components -- by the end of 2025, signaling a more aggressive timeline than previously expected. Recommended Videos While Apple's futuristic AR glasses remain years away, this new development, codenamed N401, will bring real-world context to Siri in a more stylish form factor than a headset. Think of them as "Vision Light": Smart glasses with onboard cameras, speakers, and microphones capable of live translation, call handling, and turn-by-turn directions. The glasses will not feature augmented reality displays unlike the Vision Pro headset. Instead, they rely on audio and voice feedback which is a deliberate move to reduce complexity, cost, and bulk. This confirms earlier reports suggesting that Apple is working on both an AR model and a non-AR model, with N401 clearly representing the latter. Apple's glasses are part of a broader strategy to stay relevant in the rapidly growing market for AI-enabled devices. Meta and Google are already in the same, and OpenAI's newly announced hardware partnership with Jony Ive is set to crowd the field further. Also worth noting: This latest report makes no mention of specialized chips named in the prior leak, Glennie for AirPods and Nevis for Apple Watch, though it does reiterate that Apple is facing challenges around integrating camera and sensor data in a lightweight frame. The concept of offloading processing to the iPhone, also mentioned in earlier reporting, still holds relevance as Apple continues to wrestle with balancing performance and power efficiency. What about Apple's other wearable experiments? Not all ideas are making the cut. Apple has reportedly shelved development of a smartwatch with an integrated camera and real-world analysis capabilities. That device was meant to bring environment-sensing features to the wrist but has been scrapped due to technical hurdles and privacy concerns. Internally, the smart glasses project is said to be facing some of the same AI limitations Apple has struggles with elsewhere. While Meta's Ray-Bans benefit from Llama, and Android XR glasses lean on Google's Gemini, Apple has so far relied on third-party AI like OpenAI or Google Lens for visual understanding on the iPhone. Analysts expect Apple to debut its own proprietary models soon, potentially alongside the new smart glasses. If all goes as planned, Apple's AI glasses will serve as a the company's first real foray into AI-first wearables and promises to redefine how we interact with everyday life. Whether it can beat Meta at its own game remains to be seen, but Apple isn't content to sit on the sidelines.

AI-enhanced Apple smart glasses set for 2026 release

Optimistic renders of what Apple Glass could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsider The long-rumored Apple Glass smart glasses will reportedly hit store shelves by the end of 2026, with Apple planning for them to be part of its overall AI push. Apple's smart glasses initiative has been repeatedly rumored, with the potential of a simplified form of Apple Glass arriving in late 2026 or early 2027. Now, it seems that Apple is really trying to get the head-mounted devices out in late 2026, and with more of an AI twist. According to an employee of Apple speaking to Bloomberg on Thursday, Apple is planning to lean towards a release in late 2026, instead of allowing it to slip into 2027. The version that will arrive at that time won't be the full-fat Apple Glass experience that has been rumored about, involving augmented reality. Instead, it will be a version that more closely resembles the Ray-Ban Meta eyewear. While following in the footsteps of Meta, Apple's will differ considerably, the employee adds. It will allegedly be "better made" than Meta's effort. The report says that Apple is putting more work into making the smart glasses a reality and to do so on time. This apparently involves the creation of "large quantities" of prototype glasses before the end of 2025, which will be used for testing ahead of mass production. As for what the smart glasses will do, it is thought that they will include cameras and microphones, allowing for Apple's AI systems to see the world for queries. They will also have fairly similar features to Meta's glasses, such as being able to record video and take photos, handle phone calls and music playback, and even aid in navigation. Digital assistant Siri will obviously be involved with the glasses, which should also be in a greatly improved form by the time they launch. As for processing, Apple is rumored to be working on new chips for the glasses, which will be power efficient and help keep the glasses lightweight. The release will also be a precursor to the full AR-based version that Apple is still working on.

Apple reportedly planning to launch smart glasses in late 2026 - SiliconANGLE

Apple Inc. plans to expand its consumer electronics lineup next year with artificial intelligence smart glasses, Bloomberg reported today. The device will compete with Meta Platforms Inc.'s Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The latter product series provides music playback, calling, live translation and navigation features. Apple's upcoming spectacles will reportedly provide many of the same capabilities. The device is reportedly being developed by the business unit that created the Vision Pro headset. The latter gadget, which starts at $3,500, combines the M2 chip that powered Apple's 2022 MacBook Air with a multimedia coprocessor. The iPhone maker's smart glasses are reportedly based on a more lightweight design. The device is expected to ship with a chip derived from the processors that power the Apple Watch series. Those processors use considerably less power than the M2. The system-on-chip in the newest Apple Watches, the S10 SiP, features a dual-core central processing unit and a quad-core AI accelerator. The processor in Apple's smart glasses will reportedly remove some of the S10 SiP's components to further boost power efficiency. The scrapped components likely include those that power the Apple Watch's wellness monitoring sensors. Several of those sensors only work if they're placed on the user's wrist, which rules out their use in smart glasses. Apple's smart glasses chip will reportedly be optimized to control multiple cameras. The latest Ray-Ban Meta glasses have one camera on each lens. Bloomberg cited a source as saying that Apple's device will be similar to the Ray-Ban Meta series but "better made," which hints that there may be more cameras or higher-resolution lenses. Apple engineers are said to be "ramping up" work on the glasses ahead of their launch. The iPhone maker is expected to start producing large quantities of prototypes later this year. Apple reportedly plans to launch the glasses at the end of 2026, but Bloomberg's sources cautioned that the project could still be scrapped. Another one of the company's internal development programs was reportedly canceled earlier this week. It's believed that Apple has abandoned an effort to develop a version of the Apple Watch with cameras. The company has reportedly not scrapped a parallel initiative to develop a camera-equipped edition of its AirPods wireless earbuds.

Apple Employee Claims The Company's Smart Glasses Are Like Meta Ray-Bans "But Better Made" As 2026 Launch Nears With Premium Build, Sleek Design, And Powerful AI Features

To rival Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, Apple has plans to launch its own rendition of the smart glasses as soon as next year. Note that next year's glasses would be smart but not in line with the functionality of the Vision Pro. The company is working on miniaturizing the technology for a future iteration of the AR glasses, but the forthcoming smart glasses would be completely different. Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to launch its smart glasses in the second half of next year, potentially in the last quarter, which will be similar to Meta's Ray-Bans offering and the recently showcased Android XR glasses. Apple's renditions will house camera sensors, microphones, and AI capabilities, which is pretty similar to what Meta offers with its smart glasses. The smart glasses will be able to take pictures and record video, and the company is also working on extensive privacy-related features that will allow individuals to know that the smart glasses are recording. Other than the standard photo and video shooting capabilities, the Apple smart glasses would also be able to show turn-by-turn directions, provide translations, play music, and offer voice call functionality. Moreover, it will also have the ability to give feedback on what the user is seeing through the glasses, which could be a great Accessibility feature for those with visual impairment. The wearable will also allow users to ask questions and get answers in return related to their surroundings, As mentioned, Apple's smart glasses will not have augmented reality capability, as it is reserved for another day. Siri will be a key aspect of the smart glasses experience and the company is working to greatly improve its digital assistant before the wearable sees daylight. Apple has ramped up its development of smart glasses as it badly wants to beat the competition. We have previously reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook is hell-bent on releasing smart glasses to rival the likes of the Meta Ray-Bans. Moreover, the company is also quite optimistic about the demand for the wearable, as it plans to manufacture "large quantities" of the prototype by the end of the year, giving it more time to prepare for mass production next year. According to Bloomberg, an Apple employee stated that Apple's smart glasses are similar to Meta glasses "but better made." Apple will greatly use its own AI models instead of sourcing from the industry. As mentioned, the true AR glasses will be released several years from now, which will give users a truly immersive user experience. Before that, the company wants components like batteries and chips to come down in price.

Report: Apple to Introduce AI-Enhanced Smart Glasses in Late 2026 | PYMNTS.com

Apple did not immediately reply to PYMNTS' request for comment. According to the Bloomberg report, the smart glasses are expected to be fitted with cameras, microphones, speakers and the Siri voice assistant. They will be able to handle phone calls, play music, provide live translations and deliver turn-by-turn directions. Further in the future, years from now, the company aims to release glasses equipped with augmented reality, per the report. The smart glasses project is part of a broader effort by Apple to develop a "breakthrough AI product," the report said. The company has also worked on adding cameras to its Apple Watch smart watches and its AirPods earbuds so that those devices can gather more information, according to the report.

Apple eyes 2026 smart glasses launch amid AI hardware race, Bloomberg reports By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) is accelerating development on smart glasses targeted for release in late 2026, marking a deeper push into AI-integrated consumer hardware, Bloomberg reported earlier. The iPhone maker has shelved a previously considered Apple Watch with a built-in camera, shifting focus entirely toward glasses that could rival Meta Platforms' (NASDAQ:META) Ray-Ban partnership and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) recently-announced partnership with Warby Parker (NYSE:WRBY) for AI glasses. Sources familiar with the roadmap told Bloomberg that Apple plans to begin large-scale prototype production with overseas suppliers by the end of this year. The N401 project, as it is now known internally, represents a wider effort to introduce ambient computing wearables powered by Apple's AI systems, including Siri. The glasses are expected to support cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling them to analyze the user's surroundings and perform voice-activated tasks. The device would handle functions such as phone calls, music playback, turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time translation, mirroring capabilities found in Meta's latest Ray-Ban smart glasses. This has been a pivotal week for AI and hardware competition, with multiple announcements signaling heightened urgency in the space. On Wednesday, OpenAI said it would acquire Jony Ive's secretive AI hardware startup, io, in a move aimed at developing devices that may one day challenge the iPhone's ubiquity. Ive is Apple's former Chief Design Officer and helped define the aesthetics of the iPhone and Apple Watch. OpenAI's plan to release its first hardware products next year suggests that competition for ambient AI wearables is not only intensifying but also threatening Apple on its home turf. Meanwhile, at Google's Tuesday I/O developer conference, the company announced its smart glasses alongside a partnership with Warby Parker aimed at creating lighter, more comfortable AI-powered frames. This signals serious intent from Alphabet to gain a foothold in AI-native wearables while bringing its technology to retail scale. Apple remains committed to releasing eventual augmented reality (AR) spectacles that merge digital content directly into the user's field of view. Those plans are still years away, positioning the 2026 smart glasses as a precursor to the company's long-term AR vision and its response to a rapidly evolving AI hardware landscape.

Apple plans smart glasses launch in 2026, Bloomberg News reports

(Reuters) -Apple plans to release smart glasses at the end of next year, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, in the iPhone maker's latest push to diversify its product lineup and boost demand for its artificial intelligence devices. Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes of the devices at the end of this year with overseas suppliers, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The company's push into facewear comes after its Vision Pro headset saw lukewarm reception from the public due to its hefty price tag and lack of AI features. Apple's new glasses will compete with Facebook-parent Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have become popular with consumers. Apple also shelved plans for a smartwatch that can analyze its surroundings with a built-in camera, the report said. The company had actively been working to release a camera-equipped Apple Watch by 2027, but that work was shut down, the report added. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)