Apple Is Preparing to Launch Its First AI Smart Glasses

Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce its inaugural AI-powered smart glasses in late 2027, equipped with dual cameras, gesture controls, built-in speakers, and an AI-enhanced version of Siri. Contrary to conventional augmented reality glasses, these initial devices are anticipated to lack a visible display. Instead, they will harness cameras, voice commands, and artificial intelligence to facilitate user interaction with their environment.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and MacRumors, Apple might showcase the glasses during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2027, followed by a potential release later that year. The devices are projected to incorporate two cameras with distinct functionalities. The primary camera is expected to be high-resolution, suitable for capturing photos and videos.

Conversely, a lower-resolution wide-angle camera will be utilized to identify hand gestures and furnish visual data to Siri. This setup could empower users to manage certain functions via hand movements rather than physically interacting with the glasses or their phones. The cameras may also aid Siri in comprehending the user's perspective and delivering pertinent information about their surroundings.

The smart glasses are slated to collaborate seamlessly with the iPhone and leverage the refined Siri AI introduced with iOS 27. Apple's focus is on AI-driven assistance rather than directly projecting digital content in front of the user's eyes. The glasses will boast integrated speakers and microphones for listening to music, conducting phone calls, and interacting with Siri.

Users may also receive spoken alerts and potentially receive navigation instructions via voice guidance. However, the inaugural iteration is not expected to feature an augmented reality display. Apple might incorporate display technology in forthcoming models; however, such features are believed to be several years away. Apple is currently testing at least four frame designs for its smart glasses, ranging from a large rectangular frame reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers to slimmer rectangular and oval or circular options in varying sizes.

The company is also experimenting with various colors, including black, ocean blue, and light brown. According to Bloomberg, Apple is crafting its own frames using acetate, a material typically employed in eyewear. The glasses may display vertically positioned oval camera lenses encircled by lights. Apple is also reportedly developing privacy safeguards, such as a visible indicator to notify individuals when the cameras are active.

Nonetheless, Apple has not confirmed the ultimate camera and privacy features. The anticipated launch date for the first smart glasses is late 2027, although an earlier announcement at WWDC 2027 is also conceivable. While Apple once contemplated launching the device earlier, development delays reportedly postponed the timeline. Bloomberg suggests that Apple aims to compete with existing smart glasses priced between $200 and $500 in the United States.

However, Apple has yet to disclose an official pricing structure. The glasses are expected to contend with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, offering comparable camera and audio capabilities while integrating more closely with Apple's AI and iPhone ecosystem. For now, the product remains undisclosed, and its ultimate design, features, pricing, and release date may still undergo changes.