Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses appear to have pushed Apple into action.After experimenting with mixed-reality headsets, Apple is now ramping up development on its own AI-powered smart glasses and may have working prototypes ready by year-end. The Cupertino-based tech giant is now fast-tracking development on its own pair of AI-enabled smart glasses, reportedly shifting focus away from a more affordable version of its $3,499 Vision Pro headset.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is reallocating resources and engineers to accelerate the project, aiming to debut a prototype by the end of the year. The glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, and advanced AI features positioning them as a direct competitor to Meta’s wearable. A launch could happen as early as 2027.
Although development on a lighter version of the Vision Pro is currently on hold, Apple intends to update the existing model with an M5 chip later this year.
The initial version of the glasses will not feature a display, but Apple is working on a different model that will have a built-in display. Initially, Apple planned to launch the display-equipped version in 2028, but they are now accelerating its development following Meta's recent announcement of the Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses.
Since 2023, Meta has introduced multiple versions of the Meta Ray-Bans, and the company boasts a more sophisticated AI product compared to Apple. Apple's smart glasses will depend on AI and voice commands, necessitating the next-generation iteration of Siri.
Apple intends to launch its inaugural smart glasses, offering a variety of materials and frame choices, thereby transforming them into a fashion statement. Customers will have the option to select their desired color and frame design. The glasses will incorporate an Apple-designed chip, yet they will still depend on a connected iPhone. Additional features will encompass cameras, microphones, and health monitoring functionalities.
