Newsletter Subscribe
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter
Apple Glasses: Everything We Know So Far About Apple’s Next Big Leap in AR
Apple Glasses may soon blend AR and style into your daily life. Discover what's next in wearable tech.
Share your love
Apple is well-known for taking futuristic concepts and transforming them into in-demand devices. Now, the tech giant is said to be developing smart glasses. The topic of this piece is Apple’s smart glasses project and related rumors. Sometimes dubbed “Apple Glasses,” this wearables gadget will transform the way we engage with the world through augmented reality (AR).
While Apple has not officially announced or confirmed the product, leaks, patents, and expert speculations have provided us with a solid idea of what may be developed. In this article, we will examine everything that we know about Apple Smart Glasses, highlighting its expected design, features, launch, price, and more.
Introduction to Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are redefining how we perceive and engage with the world, merging the capabilities of a computer into the comfort of everyday eyewear. Products like the Apple Vision Pro are leading the charge in this transformation, through augmented reality (AR) that projects digital information into your daily surroundings. With capabilities including several cameras, microphones, and in-glass speakers, this type of glasses is meant to give you an immersive experience—when you’re navigating through the city, answering calls, or recording things with ease.
Apple’s foray into the smart glasses sector is eagerly awaited, with the company poised to set benchmarks for design, ease of use, and integration. Apple’s smart glasses will offer wirelessly connected integration with other Apple devices, providing an effortless way to get information, communicate, and manage your digital life. With technology evolving, smart glasses will soon become an everyday companion, fundamentally altering the way you engage with digital and physical environments.
A Decade in the Making: Apple’s AR Journey
Apple’s journey into augmented reality (AR) started 10 years ago. AR is a technology that overlays digital information—like maps or notifications—onto the real world. The concept of augmented reality glasses has been central to Apple’s vision, guiding their development efforts over the past decade. In 2016, Apple CEO Tim Cook called AR a “core technology” for the company, hinting at big plans.
Apple began by adding AR features to iPhones and iPads through ARKit, a tool launched in 2017 that lets developers create AR apps. Games like Pokémon GO and apps that let you see furniture in your room before buying it showed AR’s potential.
In 2023, Apple took a huge step with the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset that blends AR and virtual reality (VR). While Vision Pro was a bold move, it’s bulky and expensive, leading Apple to work on lighter, more affordable smart glasses.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Cook is focused on creating true AR glasses, which are thin, wearable eyewear. “It’s the only thing he’s spending his time on from a product development standpoint,” he added. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is personally invested in the development of smart glasses and has made it a top priority.
What Are Apple Glasses?
Apple Glasses are expected to resemble regular eyewear but will come equipped with AR overlays and Apple Intelligence capabilities. Imagine reading directions, seeing notifications, or controlling music—all within your field of view.
These glasses take the individual into consideration, improving the everyday experience with user-focused functionality that organically weaves important information into everyday reality. These are not designed to build a separate virtual reality space, as seen with the Vision Pro, rather are going to concentrate more on non-intrusive, assistive overlays, and thus will prove to be more applicable for everyday wear.
However, this plan was scrapped; as reported by MacRumors, the iPhone doesn’t have enough power and battery life to run the module. The development then switched to using Macs as a power source, but management wasn’t certain this technique would work, so the project was canceled.
First Rumors and Speculations (Pre-2020)
Discussions about Apple Glasses began as early as 2017, when Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on an AR headset with a 2020 target. Leaks spotted by AppleInsider revealed a project called “T288,” which could include glasses.
In 2018, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple would launch AR glasses by 2020, but that didn’t happen. His report also mentioned the glasses would need an iPhone for computation, rendering, and internet connectivity. The glass would act as a display for merging digital visuals into the real environment.
However, this plan was scrapped; as reported by MacRumors, the iPhone doesn’t have enough power and battery life to run the module. The development then switched to using Macs as a power source, but management was uncertain whether this technique would work, so the project was canceled.
Consumers and industry watchers have been waiting for years as rumors and development timelines have shifted.
Post-2020 Breakthroughs and Rumors
After 2020, rumors about Apple Glasses grew more specific. In 2021, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported Apple was developing two AR products: a high-end headset (later revealed as Vision Pro) and lighter smart glasses.
By 2023, the Vision Pro launch confirmed Apple’s AR ambitions, but the glasses remained in development. However, Tom’s Guide reported that people familiar with the Apple Glasses project — dubbed N421 — Apple is “at least four years away from introducing any such product if it ever happens.”
Earlier in 2024, Apple discarded a project code-named N421, which was intended to bring AR glasses to market around a year after Vision Pro. Recently, Gurman said Apple has now canceled plans for advanced AR glasses connected to Macs.
The tech giant is working on simple, smart glasses like what Meta did with Ray-Ban. Ming Chi Kuo reported Apple will prioritize this project for a launch between late 2026 and early 2027 and accelerate development to beat Meta and Google. Apple is reportedly targeting a launch within the next two years, which aligns with recent analyst predictions.
Comparison to Google Glass
With the launch of Google Glass in 2013, it took a strong leap into the realm of smart glasses, but it encountered issues of being pricey, having limited capabilities, and a design that attracted suspicious attention. The gadget failed to catch on in the mass market, partly for reasons related to privacy and usability. Apple’s strategy in the case of the Apple Vision Pro and future smart glasses is different, with a goal of overcoming those issues.
Apple is developing new chips and sophisticated tech to drive its glasses, hoping for a product that is as natural as everyday eyeglasses. Apple’s concern for streamlined design, ease of use, and effortless integration with the Apple universe differentiates it from initial efforts, including Google Glass. Focusing on ease of use and benefiting from its hardware and software expertise, Apple is positioned to bring intelligent glasses that are both powerful and acceptable socially—a move that reinvents the market and turns wearables into a way of life.
Apple Glasses vs. Vision Pro
Apple launched the Vision Pro in 2023 at $3,499, a mixed-reality headset designed for immersive experiences, such as gaming or virtual meetings. It is powerful but heavy and not for an all-day experience. Apple Glasses are designed to be lightweight and stylish, like regular glasses, and are intended for use with everyday tasks.
Vision Pro can create a whole virtual world using augmented reality, but the glasses will likely show a simple overlay with directions or messages without blocking vision. According to Bloomberg, the glasses will feature customized chips designed to consume less energy, thereby enhancing battery life and performance and making them less bulky than the Vision Pro.
Apple Glasses Design Expectations
The most recent Apple Glass prototype is tipped to resemble a simple pair of plastic spectacles with a Clark Kent-like style. Rumors suggest that there would be a LiDAR scanner on the right temple. Apple is currently considering adding a removable camera module for privacy concerns.
Compared to devices like AirPods that are worn in your ears and can sometimes feel less socially acceptable in specific settings, smart glasses offer a more discreet and socially appropriate wearable option.
Moreover, Apple Glasses is said to bundle a plastic stand and wireless chargers. It’s possible that the glasses would include interchangeable arms. Apple may partner with lens makers like Luxottica (as Meta did with Ray-Ban) for stylish designs, according to Bloomberg. Apple’s smart glasses project is designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Google’s XR glasses.
Display Technology in Apple Glasses
The display is a big challenge for smart glasses. Samsung Securities indicates that Apple could use 1.4-inch MicroOLED or MicroLED screens. These screens would offer bright, sharp visuals in a tiny size. Users could see text, maps, or notifications directly on the lenses without obstructing the view.
Mass production of advanced microLED displays is still a major challenge for Apple, since large-scale manufacturing and mass production readiness are critical for meeting launch timetables. Yet, mass-producing microLEDs is tricky and costly, and Apple may begin with simpler displays. According to Ross Young, Apple Glass could integrate Sony OLED screens for AR.
Operating System: realityOS or visionOS?
Apple’s glasses will likely run a custom version of visionOS, the software behind Vision Pro. Like other Apple operating systems, visionOS is built on the foundation of iOS, enabling advanced spatial experiences. Initially, rumors suggested a new “realityOS,” but Apple appears to have settled on “visionOS” for all AR devices. Therefore, it may offer some spatial computing.
A Bloomberg report claims that the Apple AR Glasses would project data from your phone straight into your eyes. In particular, the glasses “are expected to synchronize with a wearer’s iPhone to display things such as texts, emails, maps, and games over the user’s field of vision.”
Performance and Hardware Expectations
Apple Glasses will likely utilize a custom chip similar to those in the Apple Watch, designed for low power consumption to conserve battery life and optimized for energy efficiency. The custom chip for the smart glasses is based on Apple Watch System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, which consumes less energy. As mentioned above, the glasses are expected to have cameras, microphones, and possibly LiDAR sensors to scan your surroundings.
These sensors can aid in tasks such as mapping or object recognition. The cameras and sensors could also enable users to capture immersive videos directly from their glasses. The glasses won’t have the heavy processing power of Vision Pro, relying instead on an iPhone for complex tasks. Battery life is a significant concern—Apple aims for all-day use, but incorporating a large battery into slim glasses is challenging.
Patently Apple mentions “privacy eyewear,” which might refer to a type of smart glasses that could keep what’s on an iPhone’s display secret. The patent illustration depicts an iPhone’s display as blurred and seen through a pair of Apple smart glasses.
Regarding privacy, Patently Apple reported that Apple is trying to make it clear when Apple Glass is recording. Rumors also suggest that the smart glass may be able to track your finger and hand movements.
App Ecosystem: Seamless and Scalable
Apple’s power is in its ecosystem, and the glasses will take advantage of it. Developers will be able to build applications utilizing ARKit and visionOS frameworks, in the same way that Vision Pro applications will be built. You will see applications for navigation, fitness, messaging, and workflows—like reading email or checking calendar appointments on your lenses. Most of these applications will take advantage of spatial computing, letting users engage with digital information in their surroundings for improved collaboration and immersion.
Apple may integrate its services, like Apple Maps or Apple Music, for seamless use. According to MacRumors, Apple is conducting user surveys at its workplaces to determine the popularity of various features and interfaces.
These investigations, codenamed “Atlas,” are being overseen by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team in the hardware engineering division. Additionally, the App Store could offer glasses-specific apps, making the device versatile for both work and play.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Among the most compelling benefits of Apple’s smart glasses, including the Apple Vision Pro, will be their compatibility with an expansive universe of devices, applications, and accessories. Users will see their eyewear automatically syncing into iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products, providing functions including music streaming, phone calling, and global positioning system directions in real-time—all enhanced through augmented reality. With Siri part of the equation, you’ll be able to simply give a verbal command in order to use your intelligent eyeglasses, making everyday functions even easier.
Apple is also ready to create a rich marketplace for third-party apps, wherein developers will be able to create new experiences tailored for AR. From gaming to productivity programs, the possibilities are endless. In addition, a range of accessories, from cases, stylish straps, to customized lens designs, will enable users to customize their glasses according to their lifestyle.
By creating a robust ecosystem for its smart glasses, Apple is ready to change the way we interact with the world, integrating AR and AI into mainstream, everyday use.
Privacy and Data Handling Concerns
Apple values privacy, but smart glasses raise concerns. Cameras and microphones can record sensitive data, raising concerns among users about surveillance. Apple is likely to avoid features like constant video recording, focusing instead on temporary clicks for tasks like navigation.
The glasses may use on-device processing to keep data private, similar to the iPhone’s Face ID. Apple’s privacy-first approach could set it apart from competitors like Meta, but it’ll need to convince users the glasses are safe.
Use Cases and Target Audience
Apple Glasses could be used for many things:
- Getting turn-by-turn directions
- Translating signs in foreign countries
- Checking messages without pulling out your phone
- Help professionals with real-time data, like doctors viewing patient info or engineers checking designs.
- Fitness buffs might use them for workout stats
- Gamers could enjoy light AR experiences.
- The smart glasses will likely support live translation and allow wearers to scan their environment for information.
Therefore, Apple is aiming to make smart glasses accessible and appealing to a wide range of consumers, not just tech enthusiasts. Apple Glasses features are available to all kinds of iPhone users, tech enthusiasts, and professionals who want a hands-free device.
Apple Glasses Potential Pricing Models
The Vision Pro costs $3,499, but Apple Glasses are expected to be much cheaper—around $499 plus extra for prescription lenses, according to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech.
This makes them competitive with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, priced at $299–$399. Apple might offer a subscription for premium features, like enhanced AI or cloud storage, similar to iCloud. If Apple Glasses are priced competitively, they could be sold in large numbers, following the success of other Apple devices.
Apple Glass Release Date Speculations
No official release date for Apple Glasses has been announced, but rumors suggest it may be in late 2026 or early 2027. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is aiming for 2026, while Mark Gurman suggests a similar timeline. Apple is targeting mass production of the smart glasses in 2026 or 2027. If Apple misses this projected launch window, it could face a fall in market momentum or competitive position.
In a Bloomberg report, he noted that “Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes at the end of this year.” However, technical challenges, like perfecting microLED displays, could delay things.
A Fierce Battle with Meta
As I mentioned earlier, Apple is pushing hard to release AI-powered smart glasses by the end of 2026, aiming to catch up with Meta’s offerings. In response, Meta also has changed its plans.
Just as listening through headphones has become ubiquitous for consuming rich, private audio experiences, donning smart glasses may become the new normal for users looking for new kinds of interaction and entertainment. The text you submitted is too short for processing—the paraphrasing tool requires a minimum of 30 words. Please expand the content slightly, and I’ll be happy to humanize it for you.
A recent report by Upload VR indicates that Meta is working on a new lightweight mixed-reality device called “Puffin,” rather than focusing on the Quest 4 VR headsets. The prototype looks like a bulky pair of glasses but weighs only about 110 grams, according to The Information.
Meta is reportedly integrating an external “tethered compute puck” for processing and battery management. Moreover, a Financial Time report spotted by 9to5Mac suggests that Ray Ban smart glasses might get an upgrade with a visual display in late 2025.
Meta’s pivot is a reflection of Apple’s competitiveness. They’re hastening the development process to prove that they remain ahead of the AR game. It’s only a question of when, not if, they take the competition!
Challenges and Criticisms
Building smart glasses isn’t easy. Apple faces challenges like:
- Making the glasses light and comfortable while incorporating technology.
- Battery life is a hurdle—small batteries might not last all day.
- Display technology, such as microLED, is expensive and challenging to produce.
- Privacy concerns could spark backlash if Apple isn’t careful.
- If the glasses are too expensive compared to Meta’s offerings, they may not appeal to mainstream users.
Advanced audio features, such as spatial sounds, could help overcome some usability hurdles by making the experience more immersive and intuitive. Are you interested in how Apple will address these challenges and what solutions they might introduce?
Future of Wearable AR with Apple
Apple Glasses could be a stepping stone to true AR glasses that fully replace screens. For now, they’re a lighter, more accessible version of Vision Pro, blending style and tech.
Tim Cook sees AR as a game-changer, and the glasses could define Apple’s next decade, per Bloomberg. Future versions might offer immersive AR for gaming or work, but that’s years away.
For now, Apple Glasses promise to make AR part of daily life, from navigation to communication, setting the stage for a wearable revolution.
What do you think about Apple Smart Glasses? Let us know in the comments below!
Related articles worth reading:
