apple is accelerating development of its first smart glasses, which are expected to launch as early as 2027, directly competing with products like meta’s ray-bans. internal sources indicate that apple is not rushing to release a full-fledged augmented-reality (ar) headset; instead, it is focusing on camera capabilities, a voice assistant, and gesture control as its core features. on the hardware front, the glasses will include two cameras: a high-resolution camera for capturing photos and videos, making it easy for users to share content on social media, and a lower-resolution wide-angle camera that detects hand gestures and provides siri with visual information about the surrounding environment.
notably, the first-generation apple smart glasses will not feature a display screen, nor will they be equipped with power-hungry components such as lidar or 3d cameras, in order to ensure long battery life, lightweight design, and comfortable everyday wear. according to reports, apple is testing several different styles and plans to use plant-based acetate material, which is lighter and more flexible than conventional plastics, aiming to make the smart glasses look as close as possible to ordinary eyeglasses. in terms of gesture control, apple has already accumulated extensive experience with gesture input on its vision pro headset, and future rumored airpods pro may also offer similar support. for glasses without a screen, gesture control feels far more natural than touch-based interaction.
on the software side, these glasses will run a more powerful version of siri, with related features expected to debut alongside ios 27. users will be able to take photos, record videos, make calls, and even ask siri for information about their surroundings. apple may unveil a preview of the product in late 2026, with an official market launch scheduled for 2027.
