Apple Plans to Launch Smart Glasses in 2026

Apple Plans to Launch Smart Glasses by End of Next Year Amidst Product Diversification and AI Push

Apple is preparing to launch its much-anticipated smart glasses by the end of next year, as reported by Bloomberg News. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its product lineup and increase demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) devices. The new smart glasses will mark Apple’s entry into the wearable facewear market, following mixed public reception to its earlier Vision Pro headset.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple will begin mass production of prototypes for the smart glasses toward the end of this year. The manufacturing will involve overseas suppliers, signaling Apple’s commitment to ramping up production in preparation for the launch. Despite several inquiries, Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Apple’s decision to push into smart glasses comes after the Vision Pro headset, which was released recently, failed to generate widespread enthusiasm among consumers. The headset faced criticism mainly due to its high price point and the absence of advanced AI features, which are increasingly becoming a standard expectation in smart devices. Apple’s smart glasses are expected to address some of these issues and offer more accessible wearable technology to the market.

The new smart glasses are also anticipated to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained popularity, particularly in India. Meta’s offering has been well received by consumers, with pre-orders starting at ₹29,900 in India. Apple entering this space highlights the growing competition among tech giants to capture a share of the emerging smart glasses market.

In addition to the smart glasses, the report revealed that Apple has shelved plans to release a smartwatch equipped with a built-in camera capable of analyzing its surroundings. This ambitious project was aimed for a 2027 release but has now been put on hold or canceled. The decision to drop the camera-equipped Apple Watch could be attributed to technical challenges, privacy concerns, or shifting company priorities.

Apple’s focus on AI and wearable technology underscores its intent to innovate and stay competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. The smart glasses project indicates Apple’s commitment to exploring new product categories that blend fashion, technology, and functionality, appealing to a broad consumer base.

The timeline for prototype production and the expected launch date by the end of next year suggest that Apple is investing significant resources into ensuring the product meets high standards of quality and user experience. As the market for wearable technology grows, Apple’s smart glasses could play a pivotal role in shaping future trends in augmented reality (AR) and AI-powered devices.

While Apple has not disclosed detailed specifications or features of the smart glasses, industry analysts anticipate that the device will integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, providing enhanced AI capabilities and innovative user interfaces. This launch follows the company’s recent challenges with the Vision Pro headset and represents a strategic move to regain momentum in the wearable tech segment.

Overall, Apple’s entry into smart glasses and its cancellation of the camera-equipped smartwatch reflect the company’s adaptive approach to product development, focusing on viable innovations that align with consumer demand and technological feasibility.