GoKawiilApple has been working on AI smart glasses for a little while, both to compete against Meta Ray-Bans and to provide a hardware platform for Siri and its Visual Intelligence features. While they were originally set to be announced at the end of this year and debut early next year, that’s now been delayed, with a launch now set to take place by the end of 2027, per Bloomberg.
On the flip side of things, a cheaper and lighter version of Apple Vision Pro, dubbed Vision Air, may arrive as soon as 2028, potentially 2029.
Apple smart glasses face new delay
When we first heard about Apple’s advanced efforts to release smart glasses around this time last year, the company was on track to announce a pair by the end of this year. Now, timelines have slipped slightly, and Apple will need an additional year, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman:
There have been some bumps on the road to Apple becoming an eyewear giant. It had initially planned to introduce its smart glasses, code-named N50, at the end of 2026 and ship them by early 2027. But as is often the case with major new Apple products, there have been delays. The company is now working toward launching the glasses at the end of next year, I’m told.
While Siri is still on track to debut before the end of this year, the larger development concern is Apple’s visual AI technology might not be up to par by the end of this year. Apple doesn’t want to risk launching an unappealing product.
These glasses are largely launching as a hardware platform for Apple Intelligence, though the products feature set will expand over time:
The first Apple glasses will use design elements to stand out, with oval-shaped cameras, unique colors and multiple frame styles. Over time, Apple believes the glasses could evolve into a health device and eventually incorporate augmented reality technologies capable of improving how people see.
Lastly, Apple believes it has a massive opportunity here in the eyewear space, and wants to potentially capture billions of people who depend on prescription glasses, casually wear sunglasses, or use glasses as a fashion accessory. So, it makes sense that the company wants to take additional time to nail down the product offering.
Vision Air could debut in 2028-2029
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