Apple is testing four smart glasses designs to compete with Meta, report says
Apple's Smart Glasses: What We Know So Far
The tech world, especially Silicon Valley, is buzzing with excitement and significant investments in smart glasses. A new report gives us a peek into Apple's plans to join this growing trend.
Apple's Secret Plans Revealed by Mark Gurman
A recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-known source for Apple news, suggests that Apple is currently experimenting with four different styles for its smart glasses. These glasses are expected to compete directly with Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses. Gurman predicts that Apple might show off these new smart glasses in late 2026, with an official launch possibly in 2027.
It's important to remember that a lot can change between now and then. However, Gurman has a strong history of accurately predicting Apple's future products and announcements, which makes this report quite credible.
Variety in Design and Style
The Bloomberg report details that Apple is trying out a range of frame styles for its smart glasses. These include classic shapes like rectangular, oval, and circular. They are also testing multiple color options. It's possible that when these Apple smart glasses are finally launched, consumers will have several of these designs and colors to choose from.
Unique Camera and Audio Features
The report also highlights some unique features for the glasses. They are expected to have distinctive oval-shaped camera lenses, positioned vertically, and accompanied by lights. Furthermore, built-in speakers will allow users to make phone calls and listen to music, similar to other augmented reality (AR) glasses already available from companies like Xreal and TCL.
Augmented Reality and Display Integration
Based on previous information, Apple's smart glasses will be augmented reality (AR) glasses. This means they will likely have a screen built into the lenses, allowing digital information to be overlaid onto the real world. This concept is similar to Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses and the upcoming Google Android XR glasses, which are expected to launch later this year.
The Role of Siri AI in Smart Glasses
It's highly probable that by the time Apple's smart glasses hit the market, Apple will have released its much-anticipated Siri AI upgrade. This upgrade could be a game-changer for the smart glasses. Imagine being able to talk to Siri while wearing the glasses, using voice commands for navigation, controlling features, or activating other AR functions hands-free. This integration would make the glasses incredibly intuitive and useful for everyday tasks.
Smart Glasses Market: A Growing but Niche Segment
While reports indicate that sales of Meta-Ray Ban smart glasses tripled in 2025, according to Reuters, smart glasses haven't yet become as popular as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. They are still a niche product, mostly appealing to early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
However, major tech companies see this new type of device as a huge future opportunity, especially with the rise of AI-powered wearable technology. The big question remains: how quickly will the average person embrace smart glasses and integrate them into their daily routines?
Apple's Potential and Past Challenges
Apple has a strong track record of introducing new product categories that eventually become mainstream, like the iPhone and iPod. This history suggests they might be uniquely positioned to make smart glasses a must-have device. However, their previous venture into augmented reality, the Apple Vision Pro, experienced relatively low sales. This shows that even for a tech giant like Apple, success in a new product category isn't guaranteed.
The company will need to learn from the Vision Pro's reception and ensure their smart glasses offer compelling features, a comfortable design, and a clear value proposition to truly capture the consumer market. The combination of stylish design, advanced AR capabilities, and a potentially upgraded Siri could be Apple's formula for success in the smart glasses arena.
Only time will tell if Apple's upcoming smart glasses will revolutionize how we interact with technology and the world around us, or if they will face similar challenges to their predecessors in the AR space. One thing is for sure: the tech world will be watching closely.
from Mashable
-via DynaSage
