Apple's AI-infused smart glasses to arrive in late 2026

Apple's AI-infused smart glasses set for 2026 debut with cutting-edge features.

: Apple is preparing to launch innovative consumer-grade smart glasses by late 2026, integrating advanced features such as microphones, speakers, and cameras. These glasses aim to interact with Siri and Apple Intelligence via voice commands, offering functionalities like photography, video capturing, music playback, and GPS navigation. The development is in an advanced stage, with Apple focusing on final design iterations, prototype testing, mass production, and public unveiling to build excitement. This initiative reflects Apple's broader vision towards augmented reality, despite not initially embodying complete AR capabilities, as they pace towards lightweight AR glasses.

Apple is gearing up for the introduction of its AI-powered smart glasses, anticipated to launch in time for the holiday season of 2026. These consumer-grade spectacles are expected to integrate features such as microphones, speakers, and cameras. This array of hardware will enable the glasses to enhance user interaction with Siri and Apple Intelligence, facilitating voice-controlled commands for various functions like taking photos, recording videos, playing music, handling phone calls, and providing navigational guidance.

An inside source from Apple has reportedly informed Bloomberg that early comparisons have been drawn to recently launched Meta glasses. However, Apple's offering is aimed to surpass the Meta version, which was developed in partnership with Ray-Ban and is currently retailing at $299, in terms of build quality and functionality.

The journey towards these smart glasses adheres to Apple's long-term vision of creating lightweight augmented reality glasses. Although the first iteration will not include full AR functionalities, it signifies a significant step towards achieving that ultimate goal. With the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 approaching, Apple enthusiasts can expect announcements of several AI-related advancements potentially relevant to the smart glasses.

Alongside the development of the smart glasses, Apple appears to be pivoting away from previous plans of incorporating cameras in its Apple Watches, as it was hypothesized to introduce AI capabilities. Historically, smartwatches with cameras have not seen widespread success due to awkward usage and nascent mobile camera technology.

The emphasis on AI by Apple as part of their technological roadmap underscores their commitment to leading innovation in consumer electronics. The postponement of AR and withdrawal from AI camera watches reiterates their strategic prioritization to perfect utility and user experience. As Apple continues to forge its path, the tech community is abuzz with anticipation of its promising advancements.

Sources: Shawn Knight, Bloomberg

TechnologyAIAR