Apple is reportedly planning to launch smart glasses in late 2026, according to Bloomberg News, marking a renewed effort by the tech giant to expand its AI-focused wearable product lineup.
The company will begin mass-producing prototypes with overseas suppliers at the end of 2025, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter. Apple has not commented on the development.
This move follows mixed reception for its $3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which has faced slow adoption due to its high price and limited artificial intelligence capabilities.
Competing in the Facewear Market
The new Apple smart glasses would position the company to directly compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained popularity for their integration of AI and social features. Unlike the Vision Pro, the new glasses are expected to be lighter, more affordable, and likely focused on AI-powered applications such as real-time translation, notifications, or camera assistance.
Apple Watch Camera Project Cancelled
In the same report, Bloomberg revealed Apple has shelved plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch, which was expected to launch by 2027. The smartwatch would have included functionality to analyze its surroundings using AI and capture photos — a concept Apple has now decided to discontinue.
This reflects Apple’s shifting hardware strategy to focus on products that deliver more practical AI experiences without compromising on design, privacy, or battery life.