Beyond Vision Pro: Apple's lightweight smart glasses arriving in 2026?

Apple's smart glasses are expected in late 2026, with plans also including cameras for future Apple Watches and AirPods.

Illustration: Tech Bird

The frontier of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, with tech innovators now integrating advanced AI capabilities into everyday objects like eyewear. Apple, a leading name in technology, is reportedly developing a groundbreaking pair of lightweight smart glasses, poised to redefine wearable technology. These rumored glasses are expected to feature integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, signaling Apple's ambitious entry into this evolving space. Sources suggest the Cupertino-based giant aims to debut this innovative product in late 2026.

A recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman provides further insights, indicating Apple's strategic move into the burgeoning AI smart glasses market by late next year. This highly anticipated device is rumored to offer a range of functionalities, including handling phone calls, performing real-time online translations, and leveraging Apple's renowned AI assistant, Siri, for seamless voice commands. These Apple smart glasses are expected to run on a proprietary Apple chipset, currently under development for both augmented reality (AR) and non-AR versions. While a full AR experience might be further down the line, Gurman’s sources within Apple suggest these glasses will be similar to Meta's current offerings but with Apple's signature "better made" quality. This implies that the initial release in late 2026 is likely to be the non-AR version, focusing on smart features and AI integration.

The internal codename for this product is reportedly N50, though Gurman also hinted that it now falls under the broader "umbrella descriptor N401." Apple has been seen by some as lagging behind competitors in the overall AI race. The introduction of these AI smart glasses could be Apple's strategic move to address this perception, with the ultimate goal of developing fully immersive AI glasses—a concept that remains largely fictional in the market today. However, the competition in the wearable tech sector is intensifying. Reports suggest that Apple's rival, Meta, is also planning to introduce its own AI smart glasses in 2027. Similarly, Samsung is reportedly preparing its XR glasses and headset, expected around the same timeline, setting the stage for a fierce battle in the next-generation eyewear market.

Another crucial factor to consider is the market reception of the Apple Vision Pro. While a technological marvel, it hasn't achieved widespread public adoption and sales figures that Apple might have hoped for. This has reportedly led Apple to work on a more affordable and lighter version of the Vision Pro. In contrast, Meta's Quest series has established a strong presence in the VR/AR field, enjoying considerable public satisfaction. The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, a direct competitor to Apple's rumored offering, have also performed well, reportedly selling over 1 million units last year. This market dynamic underscores the need for Apple's new lightweight smart glasses to offer compelling value and a distinct user experience.

Beyond eyewear, Apple is also reportedly exploring further integrations of visual intelligence into its ecosystem. This includes work on cameras within future Apple Watch models and bringing visual intelligence capabilities to AirPods, with a potential timeline for these innovations also stretching into 2026 or 2027. These developments collectively highlight Apple's broader strategy to weave AI and visual computing seamlessly into various aspects of daily life.