Apple is doing everything it can to release long-term smart glasses by the end of 2026. This is the company’s latest move to expand its hardware lineup and build an AI ecosystem.
According to a new Bloomberg report, engineers are competing to meet deadlines, and mass production of prototypes is expected to begin later this year in partnerships with overseas manufacturers. The product, which has been in development for nearly 200 years, will eventually enter the late stages as Apple tries to avoid any delays that could push it into 2027.
“As part of its push to AI-enhanced gadgets, Apple Inc is aiming to release smart glasses at the end of next year, but is shelved plans for smartwatches that can analyze the interior with built-in cameras,” reported Bloomberg.
Apple Smart Glasses Release Date
Meta is expected to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, which is gaining momentum in the consumer market. The product, which has been in development for nearly 200 years, will eventually enter the late stages as Apple tries to avoid any delays that could push it into 2027.
“Company engineers are bolstering work on Meta-platform’s popular Ray-Ban rival, Meta-Platform’s popular Ray-Ban rival, Glasses. According to people with knowledge of this issue, Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes with overseas suppliers.
More practical play than Vision Pro
Apple’s push to smart eyewear looks like a clear pivot from the Vision Pro, which was launched in 2024 but struggled to gain traction beyond early adopters. Its high prices and limited daily use have become a more niche experiment than a mainstream hit.
This time, Apple is targeting a larger audience. The new glasses are lightweight and resemble traditional eyewear, offering practical AI features such as voice calls, music playback, video capture, navigation, and live translation.
Internally, the product is seen as a direct response to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. One Apple employee told Bloomberg that it would be to offer more refined designs and match the functionality while improving quality.
What glasses do
Apple is expected to include a camera, speakers and microphone in its glasses. Think about it: hands-free call, music playback, photo and video capture, direction, real-time translation. This device relies heavily on Siri. Siri is set up to get a major upgrade before the glasses come to the market.
These features become part of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite that allows context-conscious actions. By capturing information from the environment, glasses can provide live suggestions, better voice interactions, and smarter notifications.
Meta’s lead – and Apple’s catch-up plan
Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, made with Essilorluxottica, have already sold over a million units. Google is working with Warby Parker, Samsung and Xreal to use Android XR to achieve its own smart glasses. Apple’s entry is not only matched with competitors, but also not left behind.
CEO Tim Cook reportedly prioritizes the project internally to ensure that Apple does it right.
Internal technology
In the center of the device is a custom chip built on an Apple Watch Silicon. It is designed to manage multiple cameras and sensors without eliminating battery life. Chip production is expected to increase in the second half of 2026, and TSMC could handle the job.
Interestingly, Apple has decided to cancel plans for a new Apple Watch with built-in cameras. The project, once scheduled for 2027, has been closed, along with resources redirected to smart glasses.
Not integration, not separation
Glasses are expected to work closely with the iPhone to offload several processing tasks to reduce device size and weight. That integration also gives Apple an edge. Users will be able to pick up anywhere they leave across the device, from glasses to Macs to iPads.
Internally, smart glasses are called N401, and leadership sees projects as their top priority. They bet that tighter ecosystem integration, improved quality and less invasive approaches to data will help make glasses stand out in crowded areas.
High expectations, higher pressure
Apple is still facing pressure in terms of software. Internally, some engineers are worried that the company’s AI capabilities are not in line with rivals such as Google and Openai. If that gap doesn’t close immediately, there’s a risk that glasses will feel like a gimmick instead of a breakthrough.
Privacy is another important issue. With the meta being frequently scrutinized for data practices, Apple is now positioned as a safer, privacy-conscious option.
Once the company understands it correctly, smart glasses can mark a new chapter in Apple wearables. It could probably even rise to the level of an Apple Watch. However, there is little room for error, and the countdown to 2026 is already clicking.
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