Apple is reportedly preparing to launch smart glasses for consumers in 2027, alongside an AirPods model equipped with cameras, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.
This move follows the company’s ambitious Vision Pro headset, which is still years away from its successor, as Apple works to expand its augmented reality (AR) product lineup.
Apple plans to channel part of its billion-dollar research and development investment from the Vision Pro into new products. The rumored smart glasses are expected to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban models, which have gained popularity in the AR space.
These glasses may not be full-fledged AR devices with integrated displays but will feature built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones, making them similar to Meta’s offering.
In addition to the glasses, Apple is also reportedly developing AirPods with built-in cameras. These cameras are believed to enhance spatial audio by adapting to the surrounding environment, though some industry insiders have expressed skepticism about the practicality of this feature.
Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, priced as low as $299, have proven to be a popular product, and Apple’s smart glasses are expected to have a similar design. It remains unclear why Apple is pursuing camera-equipped AirPods, as many believe glasses would be a more suitable platform for outward-facing cameras.
Meanwhile, Apple is expected to introduce Vision Intelligence AI features for iPhones later this month, aiming to compete with rival smartphones that already offer similar capabilities.
