Apple AI Smart Glasses Coming 2026

Apple's AI Smart Glasses

Apple is reportedly planning to launch smart glasses with artificial intelligence (AI) that would compete with Meta’s Ray-Bans.

According to a Bloomberg report, the company intends to create a large number of prototypes before the end of the year, with the goal of releasing the smart glasses in late 2026. The report cited unnamed sources. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Features and Capabilities

The smart glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, speakers, and the Siri voice assistant, according to the Bloomberg report. They will be capable of handling phone calls, playing music, providing live translations, and delivering turn-by-turn directions.
The company also intends to release augmented reality glasses in the future, according to the report.

Broader AI Efforts

The smart glasses project is part of Apple’s broader effort to develop an AI product. The company has also been working on adding cameras to its Apple Watch smart watches and AirPods earbuds to gather more information. However, the work on smart watches was shut down this week, while the project involving earbuds continues, according to the report.

Competitive Landscape

A new generation of smart glasses driven by AI has emerged. Several companies are investing in smart glasses as the next popular connected wearable, including Meta, Amazon, Snap, Samsung, Baidu, Xiaomi, and Google. Google announced its partnership with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to create Android XR-equipped glasses that are stylish and comfortable for all-day wear.

OpenAI announced its acquisition of an AI device startup co-founded by Jony Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, who led the design of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Apple Watch. Io will become the devices division at OpenAI and plans to showcase “what they’ve been working on” in 2026.