Apple is reportedly accelerating the development of its first pair of smart glasses, aiming to enter the wearables space currently dominated by Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Cupertino-based tech giant is “ramping up work” on the AI-powered glasses and could produce functional prototypes by the end of 2025, with a commercial launch expected by the end of 2026.
The upcoming device is said to incorporate cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling users to interact with their surroundings in a smarter, more intuitive way. The glasses will reportedly support AI-enhanced functionalities such as real-time translation, object recognition, and contextual assistance, positioning them as a seamless blend of fashion and futuristic technology.
Apple’s entry into this segment follows its experimentation with the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, a high-end device that marked the company’s initial foray into immersive computing. However, unlike the bulky headset, the smart glasses are expected to be lightweight and closer in design to conventional eyewear, similar to the Meta Ray-Ban Stories—offering style without compromising functionality.
Sources suggest Apple’s smart glasses are part of a broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across its ecosystem. At WWDC 2024, Apple revealed a suite of AI-powered features across iOS, macOS, and Siri, branding them under the term “Apple Intelligence.” The smart glasses will likely extend these capabilities, allowing users to access AI-driven tools in real time, hands-free.
The move comes amid increasing competition in the wearables and augmented reality space. Meta, Google, and Amazon have all launched or tested AI-integrated glasses, though none have yet seen mass-market success. Apple’s reputation for combining hardware innovation with software polish may give it a significant advantage.
While details such as pricing and exact specifications remain under wraps, expectations are high. If successful, Apple’s smart glasses could mark a major shift in how users engage with digital content ushering in a new era of ambient computing where AI meets everyday wearables.
