Apple Smart Glasses: What is known so far

Apple is working on a series of smart glasses that will compete with the Meta AI Ray-Bans with AI support and offer many of the same features. Rumors about Apple Smart Glasses are slowly gaining momentum, so here’s an overview of what’s known so far.

Apple Smart Glasses: Data Glasses Light

There are persistent rumors about Apple’s work on augmented reality data glasses, but true, lightweight augmented reality glasses will be years away. What is already feasible are Apple Smart Glasses without display functions, which instead rely on cameras, speakers, AI integration, and sensors to provide their wearers with contextual information.

The Apple Smart Glasses, at least in their initial version, will primarily function as an accessory for an iPhone, similar to the Apple Watch or the AirPods. However, they will offer some additional offline features to reduce dependence on the iPhone.

Design

Apple plans to offer various material and frame options, making the smart glasses a fashion accessory just as the Apple Watch once was. Buyers can choose their preferred color and frame type, and choose between metal and plastic frames. 3D printing will apparently be used for production.

Apple is likely to offer both standard lenses and sunglasses. Based on the Vision Pro, Apple will also support prescription lenses. There is already the option to order custom Vision Pro lenses from Zeiss, which could also be extended to Apple Smart Glasses.

In addition to multiple cameras and microphones, there will likely also be an LED light on board that indicates when the camera is active.

Controls

The Apple Smart Glasses are expected to offer both touch-based controls, such as the B. Tapping to take a photo, as well as voice-based controls.

Features

According to current rumors, Apple Smart Glasses will have the following features:

• Take photos
• Record videos, including 3D videos
• Listen to audio
• Get directions
• Get answers to questions
• Descriptions of the surroundings
• Recognize plants, animals, landmarks, and more
• Make phone calls
• Live translation
• Find My integration (although no Rumors yet)

iPhone connection

Apple Smart Glasses will most likely require a connection to an iPhone to offer features such as music playback and AI support. However, some features will already be integrated into the device. Apple is developing a special chipset for the glasses based on the Apple Watch chip.

AI Integration

The cameras in the smart glasses can transmit information to an AI assistant – hello Apple Intelligence. The AI can answer questions about what the wearer sees, similar to how Visual Intelligence works on the iPhone.

The AI can control the glasses and, for example, take photos or play music. It can also provide directions.

Future Features

Apple’s first smart glasses will not offer augmented reality features. However, a future version could integrate a display that overlays digital information over the real world.

Augmented reality glasses have been a long-standing goal of Apple. And at least Apple CEO Tim Cook is absolutely infatuated with his Apple Vision Pro.

Release Date

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes Apple could unveil the smart glasses as early as 2026. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo doesn’t expect them until 2027.

Price

There is no information yet on the price of the smart glasses, but a price somewhere between the AirPods and the Apple Watch would make sense. Prices for the Meta glasses start at $300 (€257). Apple’s main competitors are the Meta Ray-Bans and the Meta Oakleys.

Meta collaborates with well-known sunglasses manufacturers, and its smart glasses are very popular with customers. The Meta Ray-Bans are designed in the traditional Wayfarer style and are available in various colors and with additional frame options.