Apple’s first AR-powered smart glasses may arrive in 2026

Apple

Apple is accelerating development on its long-rumored smart glasses, aiming for a late 2026 release with a slimmed-down version that adds an AI twist. According to a Bloomberg report citing an Apple employee, the device will not be the full-fledged augmented reality experience originally envisioned under the “Apple Glass” brand. Instead, it’s expected to resemble Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. However, it is expected to have Apple’s signature hardware polish and deeper AI integration.

The company is reportedly pushing to avoid delays into 2027, ramping up efforts to manufacture large volumes of prototype units by the end of 2025. These units will be used for extensive testing ahead of full-scale production.

Apple’s first-gen smart glasses are rumoured include cameras and microphones, enabling real-world context for AI queries — a capability that may evolve Siri into a more perceptive assistant. Much like Meta’s device, Apple’s version is expected to support video recording, phone calls, photo capture, music playback, and navigation assistance. But Apple insiders claim their offering will be “better made,” with more refined hardware and a proprietary chip designed to keep the glasses both lightweight and power-efficient.
This initial product may very well serve as a stepping stone toward Apple’s long-term goal: full AR smart glasses that could eventually replace the iPhone. Until then, the 2026 release is poised to compete directly with Meta and set the stage for Apple’s next frontier in wearable tech.