(Image source from: Meta)
Apple has been thought to be working on a set of smart glasses for quite some time. Recently, there have been hints that the tech company from Cupertino might reveal them soon. A well-informed reporter believes that Apple’s smart glasses could be the next big thing in computing, similar to how successful the Apple Watch has been over the last ten years. These smart glasses are expected to compete with Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and others, but their release has been postponed until 2027. As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these smart glasses are being developed under the name N50. Initially, the company wanted to launch the product by the end of 2026 and start shipping it in early 2027, but delays have set back the schedule, and now Apple aims to release them toward the end of next year.
The maker of the iPhone sees a big chance in eyewear similar to what they found with the Apple Watch. Although a few brands like Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and Samsung's Android XR Smart Glasses, which were recently shown at Google I/O 2026, are in the smart glasses market, it remains quite small. Apple is said to be focusing on everyday eyewear, especially items priced between $200 and $500. This would mean competing with well-known eyewear brands like EssilorLuxottica, Safilo, and Warby Parker. The glasses are expected to heavily use AI and an improved Siri experience, although that upgrade has not yet been released. The company believes that linking these glasses to its network of over two billion active devices and adding AI features could persuade consumers to pick Apple’s eyewear over regular options. The first version of the product is thought to have different frame styles, unique color choices, and special camera technology built into the design. Apple’s smart glasses are also believed to have strong support from the company’s top leaders, including the new CEO John Ternus, who sees smart glasses as a major focus for Apple.
Apple isn't just working on smart glasses; other wearables are also reportedly in the pipeline. Gurman has mentioned that Apple is still developing a lighter and thinner version of the Vision Pro headset, which might be released as the rumored Vision Air. The latest information shows that this development is still in progress. Gurman states that the company aims to create a more comfortable headset that fixes some of the major complaints about the current Vision Pro, such as its weight, size, and cost. The report suggests that Vision Air might not be launched until late 2028 or 2029. Gurman noted that Apple needs to tackle design and pricing issues that limited the desirability of the original Vision Pro before they can launch a new version. Therefore, the Vision headset line may not change much for the upcoming years. If this timeline holds true, the Vision Air would be released about six years after the Vision Pro was introduced at WWDC 2023.
