Apple Races Meta in the Smart Glasses Arena: AI-Powered Face-Wear Arriving in 2026?
The race for the future of wearable technology is heating up! Apple is reportedly targeting a 2026 launch for its own AI-powered smart glasses, directly challenging Meta's successful Ray-Ban Meta collaboration. This move signals a significant push by Apple into the burgeoning market of augmented reality and AI-enhanced devices.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is aggressively working on smart glasses packed with features like a camera, microphone, and deep AI integration. These glasses will reportedly boast Siri integration, enabling users to answer calls, receive directions, and interact with their surroundings through voice commands. This aligns with Apple's broader strategy to develop custom chips optimized for AI tasks, powering not only the glasses but also future Macs and AI servers.
"Apple CEO Tim Cook is apparently dead set on trying to beat Meta in the smart glasses market as the AI race heats up," notes TechCrunch. Meta and Ray-Ban have already seen substantial success with their smart glasses, selling millions of units. Apple recognizes the potential and is determined to become a major player in this space.
While Apple pushes forward with its smart glasses initiative, it has reportedly shelved plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch. Initial plans aimed to release a camera-integrated watch by 2027, but, that project has now been abandoned.
The lukewarm reception of Apple's Vision Pro headset, attributed to its high price and limited AI capabilities, may have spurred the company to focus on a more accessible and practical wearable device. The development suggests a strategic shift towards a less expensive and more versatile AI-driven experience.
Apple plans to start producing large quantities of prototypes with overseas suppliers by the end of 2025, setting the stage for the anticipated 2026 release. "Apple's new glasses will compete with Facebook-parent Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have become popular with consumers," Reuters reported.
Will Apple's smart glasses be the next big thing, or will Meta maintain its lead in the wearable AI space? What features are you most excited to see in future smart glasses? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
