Move over Meta: Apple smart glasses are coming
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that Apple is developing smart glasses focused on camera functionality, expected to launch in early 2027 with premium materials and advanced features such as text recognition.
- Apple is also exploring an AI pendant accessory that acts as the “eyes and ears” of the iPhone, featuring always-on camera and microphone capabilities for calls, Siri and photos.
- Other upcoming releases include AirPods with IR cameras for air gestures, a low-cost MacBook with iPhone chip, and new iPad models.
In a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has three wearable devices in the works that could make Apple a leader in AI hardware. Apple is “accelerating work” on smart glasses, a pendant and AirPods with infrared cameras. All three devices will not be standalone products and will require an iPhone connection.
Apple Smart Glasses
Smart glasses seem to be Apple’s priority. Don’t expect Apple’s glasses to be an augmented reality version of its Vision Pro headset. These glasses will look more like the Meta AI glasses, with a high-resolution camera capturing photos and videos. The user interface will depend on speakers, microphones and a separate camera dedicated to “giving environmental context to the device”. Users will be able to make phone calls, use Siri, listen to music and take photos. In addition, the user will be able to “take actions depending on their environment”.
Gurman reports that Apple hopes its camera technology will set it apart from Meta Glasses. Apple is working on advanced features, such as the glasses’ ability to recognize text and convert it digitally, and the ability to create pop-up reminders, such as a prompt to ask you to pick up an item you’re looking at that’s on your shopping list when you’re in a grocery store. For navigation instructions, Siri could provide waypoints instead of generic instructions.
Apple also believes it can offer superior build quality that differentiates it from Meta. The glasses will use “premium materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel.” Different styles could be offered as the product matures over time. Apple had considered partnering with an eyewear maker, but decided against it.
Gurman said Apple had made “significant progress” in developing the glasses, and they could be ready for production by the end of the year, with a public release in early 2027.
Apple AI pendant
Apple is also working on an AI pendant, which Gurman says is positioned as an alternative to glasses. The pendant brings comparisons to the failed Humane AI Pin, but Apple’s device is primarily an iPhone accessory.
Gurman said Apple employees call it the “eyes and ears” of the iPhone. It would be the size of an AirTag and have an always-on camera and microphone. Apple hasn’t decided to include a speaker. Unlike the Humane AI Pin, it does not have a spotlight.
The pendant can be worn using a clip to attach to clothing or as a necklace. The product is in the early stages of development and could be canceled at any time.
AirPods with cameras
AirPods with infrared cameras have been rumored for a while, but according to Gurman’s report, they could soon become a reality. The cameras would enable simple environmental imaging that could be used to improve the AirPod interface by supporting air gestures. Gurman did not say when the new AirPods would be ready.
Gurman’s report follows Apple’s announcement of an “experience” event on March 4. The company is expected to launch its low-cost MacBook, powered by an iPhone chip. Apple is also expected to launch the iPhone 17e, iPad Air, entry-level iPad, MacBook Air M5, and MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max in the near future, if not at the event.
