# Apple Smart Glasses: The Latest Updates and Rumors
Ever since Google unveiled its lightweight smart glasses featuring deep Gemini integration and an optional in-lens display, the tech world has been buzzing with excitement. And it’s not just Google – Apple is also rumored to be working on a similar project! Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far about Apple’s smart glasses.
What We Can Expect from Apple’s Smart Glasses
According to [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/), Apple is currently developing new chips specifically designed for its smart glasses, which will compete with Google’s XR glasses and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The chips are said to be in development now, with mass production targeted for 2026 or 2027. By 2029, we could see these smart glasses hitting the market!
Mark Gurman of [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/) notes that while Apple’s smart glasses won’t be a full-fledged augmented reality device like the Apple Vision Pro, they will still offer AI capabilities, microphones, and cameras to create an engaging user experience.
The upcoming smart glasses from Apple are expected to include multiple cameras, microphones, and integrated AI functionality similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban offering. They could support features such as capturing photos, recording video, and offering translation options. In addition, Apple might develop a Visual Intelligence-like feature that would allow wearers to scan their environment, obtain product information, and receive directions.
The Rocky Road to Apple’s Smart Glasses
Apple has had a challenging time developing its smart glasses project. Originally, the company was exploring true augmented reality glasses designed to pair with Mac computers for power. However, [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/) reported in January that this project was halted due to difficulties in creating AR glasses that could provide iPhone-level performance while consuming only a tenth of the power and avoiding excessive weight from batteries.
Initially, Apple wanted the glasses to connect to iPhones, but iPhones lack sufficient power and battery life. The company then pivoted to using Macs as a power source, but executives ultimately weren’t convinced that approach would succeed, leading to the project’s cancellation.
The Future of Apple Smart Glasses
Despite setbacks, Apple CEO Tim Cook remains committed to bringing true augmented reality glasses to market before Meta can achieve the same feat. Cook is said to have made glasses a “top priority” for the company and is personally invested in product development efforts.
According to [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/), it will take “many years” for true AR glasses to be ready, with several technologies still requiring perfection, including high-resolution displays, high-performance chips, and tiny batteries capable of all-day power. In the meantime, Apple is pushing ahead development of less ambitious Ray-Ban-style smart glasses.
Apple is conducting user studies at its offices to gauge interest in various features and interfaces. Codenamed “Atlas,” these studies are reportedly led by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team within the hardware engineering division. The company is also developing a version of visionOS that will run on glasses.
If Apple can bring its design prowess, offer AirPods-level audio quality, and tightly integrate the glasses with the iPhone, it could create a “smash hit” product. While Apple is actively pursuing these Meta Ray-Ban competitors, it continues parallel development of true augmented reality glasses, though that more ambitious project remains years away from market readiness. Based on current information, we can expect Apple’s smart glasses to potentially reach consumers around 2026-2027 at the earliest.
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